
Class. EZlXa_ 
Book„Jd.L6__ 



HISTORY 



OF TjaE 



UNITED STATES, 



FROM THEIR 



FIRST SETTLEMENT AS COLONIES, 



TO THE 



CLOSE OF THE WAR WITH GREAT BRITAIN 

IN 1815. 



"' Clvitas, incredibile memoratuest, adeptd libertate, quantum hrev 
;reverit." — Sallust. 




NEW-YOUK: 
CHARLES WILEY, 3 WALL-STREET 

1825. 

Hopkins and Morris, Printers, 






Southern District of^ew-YorJc, ss. 

BE IT REMEMBERED, That on tie 22d day of August, in Ihe SOth 
year of the iadependence of the United State* of America, Charles Wiley, 
of the said District, hath deposited in this office the title of a Book the riglit 
whereof he claims as proprietor, in the words following, to wit; 

History of Hie United States, from their First Settlement as Colonies, to 
the Close of the War with Great Britain, in 1 Si 5. 

" Ciritas, incredibtle memoratu est, adepta libertate, quantum brevi cre- 
^ttW^—Sallust. 

la conformity to the Act of the Congress of the United States, entitled 
" An Act for the encouragement of Learning, by securing the copies ol 
Maps, Charts, and Books, to the authors and proprietois of such copies, during 
the time therein mentioned." And also to an Act, entitled " Ait Act, sup- 
plementary to an Act, entitled an Act for the encouragement of Learning, by 
securing the copies of Maps, Charts, and Books, to the authors and proprie- 
tors of such copies, during the times therein mentioned, and extending the 
benefits thereof to the arts of designing, engraving, and etching historical ami 
other prints." 

JAMES DILL, Clerk of the SoxUhern District ofNew^York. 



CONTENTS, 



Introduction • >.* •! 

History of Virginik. » 9 

Massachusetts • >^^ 

New-Hampshire &5 

Connecticut 59 

Rhode Island ; • • -67 

New- York 69 

New- Jersey 87 

Delaware 91 

Pennsylvania < 93 

Maryland. . i ............................. > .99 

North-Carolina 103 

South-Carolina , . 107 

Georgia 113 

French War of 1756-63 119 

Revolution 137 

Revolution 151 

Expedition against Canada 173 

Campaign of 1776 183 

Campaign of 1777 195 

Campaign of 1778 207 

Campaign of 1779 213 

Campaign of 1780 219 

Campaign of 1781, and termination of the War 229 

Adoption of Constitution, and Washington's Administration... .243 
Mr. Adams's, Mr. Jefferson's,- and part of Mr. Madison's Admin- 
istration — Declaration of War 263 

Campaign of 1812 281 

Campaign of 1813 289 

Campaign of 1814 — Conclusion of the War 303 

Appendix 317 



At a meeting of the American Academy of Language and Belles 
liCttres^ held at the City-Hall in the city of New- York, October 20, 
1820, — Hon. Brockholst Livingston, t'irst Vice-President, in the 
chair ; Rev. John B. Romeyn, D. D. Clerk, — the following preamble 
and resolution, offered by W. S. Cardell, Esq. seconded by the Rev. 
iOoctor Wainwright, were unanimously adopted: 

As the proper education of youth is in all communities closely con- 
nected with national prosperity ami honor ; and as it is particulary 
important in the United States, that the rising generation should 
possess a correct knowledge of their own country, and a patriotic 
attachment to its welfare j — 

Resolved, that a premiun of not less than four hundred dollars, and 
a gold medal wtfrth fifty dollars, be given to fhe author, being an 
American citizen, who within two years, shall produce the best written 
history of the United States, and which, with such history shall con- 
tain a suitable exposition of the situation, character, and interests? 
absolute and relative, of the American Republic : calculated for a class- 
book in academies and schools. This work is to be examined and 
approved by a committee of the institution, in reference to the inter- 
est of its matter, the justness of its facts and principles, the purity, 
perspicuity, and elegance orits style, and its adaptation to its intended 
purpose. 

By order of the Academy, 

ALEX. Mc LEOD, Rec'g Sec\i/. 

The undersigned, being appointed a committee with full powers to ex- 
amine the several works submitted, and award the medal and premium 
in pursuance of the above resolution, having perused four books of- 
fered by different authors, according to the conditions required, have 
selected one as being the best of the four; and after referring it to its 
author for such minor corrections as might render it more acceptable 
to the public, do now finally adjudge said medal and premium to the 
writer of the work recently printed, entitled, 

^' A History of the United States, from their first 
Settlement as Colonies, to the close of the War witl^ 
Great Britain, in 1815. 

"Civitas, incredibilenieojorafu est, adeptalibertate, quantum brevicreverit." — SaUurt.^' 

Wm. p. Van Ness, ) 

Alexr. Mc Leod, > Committee. 

Jacob Mojiton, ) 



HISTORY 



OF THE 



UNITED STATES 



INTRODUCTION. 



The continent of America was probably unknown to the 
ancients. If once known, as some have supposed, to the 
Carthaginians, the Scandinavians, and the Welsh, all 
knowledge of it was afterwards lost. The discovery of this 
extensive region, constituting nearly one half of the hab- 
itable globe, was the accidental result of the attempts, made 
in the fifteenth century, to find a passage by sea from the 
ports of Europe to the East Indies, whose precious com- 
modities were then transported, over land, by a long, dan- 
gerous, and expensive route. 

This passage was universally sought by sailing south, 
along the western coasts of Europe and Africa, in the hope 
of finding the termination of the continent, when the In- 
dies, it was supposed, might be attained by taking at first an 
easterly and then a northerly course. The discovery of 
the Cape of Good Hope, in 1487, encouraged expectation, 
and gave increased activity to the spirit of adventure. 

Among the navigators of that age, Christopher Colum^ 
bus, a native of the republic of Genoa, was distinguished 
for experience and skill in his profession, for extensive 
knowledge, and for a bold and original genius. The shape 
of the earth, then known to be round, and the fact that 
pieces of carved wood, a canoe, and two humaii bodies, of 
a complexion dilSerent from that of Europeans, had been 

1 



INTftODUCTieS". 



ariven, by long westerly winds, upon the shores of islands 
contiguous to Europe, suggested to his observing mind the 
project of seeking the East Indies by sailing directly west. 
Unable to defray the expenses of an expedition, he 
sought first the assistance of his native city. His country-^ 
men, accustomed only to cruising, in frail vessels, along the 
shores of the continent, treated the project as chimerical, 
and declined furnishing aid. , . u 

A pressing application to the king of Portugal, m whose 
dominions he had resided, met likewise with ridicule aud 
rejection. Persevering in his purpose, he then sent his 
brother, Bartholomew, to England, to apply to Henry Vll. 
and went himself to Spain, which was then governed by 
Ferdinand and Isabella, from whom he solicited assistance. 
For a long time he solicited in vain. At length the queen, 
persuaded by his representations, became his friend and 
patron. By her direction, three small vessels were fitted 
out, and he was authorized to sail with these upon his pro- 
jected voyage of discovery. On the third of Augu'st, 1492, 
he departed from Palos, in Spain, directing his course to- 
wards the Canary islands. 

He stopped there to refit, and on the sixth of September 
boldly adventured into seas which no vessel had yet enter-^ 
ed, with no chart to direct him, no guide but his compasSj 
and without any knowledge of the tides or currents which 
might interrupt*^his course. He moved rapidly before the 
trade wind, which blows invariably from the east to the 
west between the tropics, judiciously conceahng from his 
ignorant and timid crews the progress he made, lest they 
might be alarmed at the speed with which they receded 
from home. 

About the fourteenth of September, he was distant nearly 
six hundred miles from the most westerly of the Canaries, 
and here the magnetic needle was observed to vary from 
its direction to the polar star and incline towards the west : 
an appearance which, although now familiar, had never be- 
fore been observed. 

Columbus and his companions were alarmed. They were 
far from land, and far from the tracks of other navigators. 
All before and around them was unknown, and their only 
guide seemed to be no longer entitled to their confidence. 
But although alarmed, Columbus lost not bis presence of 



#• 



INTRODUCTION. O 

mind. He assigned a reason for the variation, which , 
without satisfying himself, silenced the murmurs of hi? 
companions. 

But the interval of quiet and subordination was short. 
Disaffection soon reappeared among the ignorant and wa- 
vering, and, gradually spreading, at length pervaded the 
whole squadron. The men blamed their sovereign for 
listening to the schemes of a dreaming adventurer. The 
indications of land had all proved fallacious. They would 
be amused and deceived no longer. They agreed that Co- 
lumbus should be forced to relinquish an undertaking which 
seemed to promise nothing but destruction ; and some of 
the more daring talked of throwing him into the sea, as a 
visionary projector, whose death would cause no regret and 
produce no inquiry. 

Amidst these difficulties, Columbus displayed those traits 
of character which proved the greatness of his mind, and 
his peculiar fitness for the arduous duties of his station. 
He appeared with a steady and cheerful countenance, as if 
satisfied with what he had done. Sometimes he soothed 
his companions by holding out to them a prospect of riches 
and of fame, and by oft'ering a gratuity to him who should 
first discover land. Sometimes he assumed a tone of au- 
thority, threatening them with the vengeance of their sove- 
reign, and everlasting infamy, should they compel him to 
abandon the undertaking. 

These encouragements and threats prevented open and 
forcible resistance to his authority. Meanwhile the squad' 
ron proceeded onward ; the indications of land had become 
frequent, and convinced him that it could not be far distant. 
But his crew were unconvinced, and their discontent in- 
creased. Assembling tumultuously on deck, they demand- 
ed to be conducted back to Spain. As a last expedient, he 
proposed that they should continue on their course three 
days lonsjer, and if, in that time, land should not be discover* 
ed, he would then comply with their demand. 

They consented. Before the time exjiired, Columbus, 
on the 1 Ith of October, at midnight, saw a light glimmer- 
ing at a distance. " A light ! a light !" was the joyful ex- 
clamation, which instantly resounded through the squadron. 
On the approach of morning, all hands stood gazing intently 
in the direction where land, it was expected, would be dis 



4 INTKODUCTIOIJr, 

Soon, on board the Pinta, the most forward vessel, was 
heard the cry of " Land ! land !" which was repeated, 
frith almost frantic delight, by the crews of the other ves- 
sels. Passing from one extreme to the other, they, who a 
few days before had reviled and insulted their commander, 
now regarded him as one whom the Deity had endowed 
with knowledge and penetration above the common lot of 
mortals. 

Atsunrise, Columbus, in a rich and splendid dress, land- 
ed, and, with a drawn sword in his hand, and displaying the 
royal standard, took possession of the island for the crown 
of Spain, all his followers kneeling on the shore and kiss- 
ing the ground with tears of joy. The natives who had as- 
sembled in great numbers on the first appearance of the 
ships, stood around the Spaniards, gazing in speechless as- 
tonishment. 

" The Europeans were hardly less amazed at the scene 
before them. Every herb,. and shrub, and tree was differ- 
ent from those which flourished in Europe. The inhabit- 
ants appeared in the simple innocence of nature, entirely 
naked. Their black hair, long and uncurled, floated upon 
their shoulders or was bound in tresses around their heads. 
Though not tall, they were well shaped and active. They 
were shy at first, through fear, but soon became familiar 
with the Spaniards ; from whom, with transports of joy, 
they received various trinkets, for which in return they 
gave such provisions as they had, and some cotton yarn, 
the only commodity of value they could produce." 

To this island Columbus gave the name of San Salvador. 
The natives called it Guanahani, and by that name it is now 
known. It is one of the Bahama isles, and is above three 
thousand miles from Gomera, the most western of the Ca- 
naries. From the poverty and ignorance of the inhabit- 
ants, Columbus was convinced that he had not yet arrived 
at the rich country which was the object of his search. 
Leaving Guanahani, he discovered and visited several oth- 
er islands, and at length arrived at one called Hayti, by the 
natives, and by him, Hispaniola. Here he remained a few 
weeks, and then returned to Spain. 

The news of his wonderful discovery filled the kingdom 
with astonishment and joy. His reception at court was ac- 
companied by flattering and splendid ceremonies ordained 
for the occasion ; and he was honored by many proofs of 



INTRODUCTION. b 

royal favor. He made three subsequent voyages, and, in 
1498, discovered the continent of America, at the mouth of 
the Oronoco, a river of the third or fourth magnitude in the 
New World, but far surpassing the largest in the old. 

The honor, however, of first discovering the continent 
must, without diminishing the merit of Columbus, be given 
to John Cabot and his son Sebastian. They were Vene- 
tians by birth, but, soon after the result of the first voyage 
of Columbus was known, were sent, by the king of England, 
on an expedition of discovery, in the same direction. In 
June, 1497, they arrived at the island of Newfoundland, in 
North America, and, proceeding westward, soon after 
reached the continent. It being their object also to find a 
<lirect passage to the East Indies, they first sailed north- 
wardly in search of it, as far as the 57th degree of latitude ; 
then, returning, cruised along the coast to East Florida ; 
and thence sailed to England without having made any set- 
tlement. Upon the discoveries made in this voyage, the 
English founded their claim to the eastern portion of North 
America^ 

In 1499, Alonzo de Ojeda, a companion of Columbus in 
his first expedition, sailing under the patronage of several 
Portuguese merchants, discovered the continent at Paria, 
in the fifth degree of north latitude. Americus Vespucius, 
t\ Florentine gentleman who accompanied him, published, 
on his return, an account of the voyage and a description of 
the country which they had visited ; and from him it de- 
rives the name it bears. 

In 1504, several adventurous navigators, from different 
parts of France, came, in small vessels, to fish on the banks 
of Newfoundland. In 1524, John Verrazzano, a Floren- 
tine, in the employment of the king of France, sailed along 
the coast of America, from Florida to the 50th degree of 
north latitude. He is supposed to have entered the harbor 
of New York. He made, the next year, another voyage, 
from which he never returned, nor is it known by what dis- 
aster he perished. 

During the next forty years, frequent voyages were 
made to the coast of North America. Of some, the object 
was fishing; of others, trade with the natives. In 1640, 
the French made an attempt to plant a colony in Canada, 
which was unsuccessful. 

The religious wars which afflicted France in- the six 

1* 



b INTRODUCTIOIf. 

teenth century, induced that illustrious statesman, Jasper 
Coligni, the head of the Protestant sect, to project, in 1502, 
a settlement, in America, to which his brethren might re- 
tire from the persecution of the Catholics. Fitting out two 
ships, he sent them thither under the command of John 
Ribaut, who landed at a place supposed to be within the 
limits of South Carolina, built a forty left a part of his men*, 
and returned to Frapce. 

The men who were left, soon after mutinied, killed their 
commander, built and equipped a vessel and put to sea. 
Having been out several weeks and consumed all their pro- 
visions, one of their number, who consented to be made a 
victim to save his comrades, was killed and eaten. A few 
days afterwards, they were taken up by an English vessel 
and carried to England. 

This was the first attempt to plant a colony within the 
limits of the United States ; and it is worthy of remark, that 
to secure an asylum from religious persecution was the ob- 
ject in view. Coligni afterwards sent a party to Florida, 
who were treacherously massacred by the Spaniards. 

In 1583, Sir Humphrey Gilbert, having received from 
queen Elizabeth a grant of such " remote, heathen, and 
barbarous lands" as he might discover and occupy, fitted 
out a squadron of five ships, and sailed for America. On 
arriving before St. John, in Newfoundland, he found thirty 
six vessels fishing in the harbor. He landed and took pos- 
session of the country in the name of his sovereign. On 
his return to England, he suffered shipwreck and perished. 

The next year, Sir Walter Raleigh, distinguished in the 
history of England as a gallant knight and as the favorite of 
the queen, obtained a renewal of the patent granted to Sir 
Humphrey, who was his half brother, and despatched to 
America two ships commanded by captains Amidas and 
Barlow. They first landed on an island in the inlet to Pamp- 
lico sound, then proceeded to the isle of Roanoke at the 
mouth of Albermarle sound, in North Carolina, and at both 
places were treated with great respect by the natives. 

Having freighted their ships with furs, sassafras, and ce- 
dar, they returned to England, where they published mar-- 
vellous accounts of the beauty of the country, the fertility 
of the soil, the mildness of the climate, and the innocence 
of the natives. The queen was so charmed with the de- 
scription that, as a memorial that the country had been dis- 



INTRODUCTION. 7 

covered during the reign of a virgin queen, she called it 
Virginia. 

The next year, Raleigh sent from England a fleet of 
seven vessels, commanded by Sir Richard Grenville, and 
carrying upwards of one hundred persons, destined to 
begin a settlement. They were left under Ralph Lane,, 
on Roanoke island. The success of the Spaniards in find- 
ing gold in South America, led these adventurers to em- 
ploy their time in a fruitless search for it here. In I5863 
they were visited by Sir Francis Drake, who, at their re- 
quest, conveyed them back to England. Lane carrying 
home a quantity of tobacco, the Indian custom of smoking 
it was adopted by Raleigh, a man of gayety and fashion 3 
and introduced at court. 

Soon after Drake departed, Grenville again arrived with 
provisions for the settlement. Finding it abandoned, he 
left fifteen men to keep possession of the country. In 
1687, three other ships were sent to the same place, but 
the men who had been left could not be found, having 
probably been murdered by the savages. After remaining 
a few weeks on the coast, the ships returned to England, 
leaving one hundred and seventeen men on the island. 
War then existing between England and Spain, two years 
elapsed before the const was again visited. In that period 
the whole number perished ; but in what manner has nev- 
er been ascertained. Thus ended the exertions of Ra- 
leigh to plant a colony in America. 

These successive misfortunes withdrew for several 3'ears 
the attention of the English from these distant regions. In 
1602, Bartholomew Gosnold made a voyage to America. 
Instead of taking the circuitous, but usual route, by the 
West India islands, he steered directly west from England, 
shortening the voyage at least one third, and arrived, in 
May, on the coast of Massachusetts. He discovered a head 
land, and taking a great quantity of codfish near it, called it 
Cape Cod. Proceeding southwardly, he passed Gay Head, 
entered Buzzard's bay, and upon an island within it erect- 
ed a small fort, the ruins of which were visible so late as 
1797. After trading a while with the Indians he returned 
home. 

The report made by Gosnold revived the spirit of adven- 
ture. In 1603 and 1605, two voyages were rflade in the 
«ame direction, and Penobscot bay, Massachusetts bay ami 



8 INTRODUCTION. 

the rivers between them, were discovered. The accounts 
given by the last navigators confirmed the report of Gos- 
nold, and led to a more extensive scheme of colonizauon 
than had yet been attempted. 

Of this scheme Mr. Richard Hakluvt was the ?no8i ac- 
tive promoter. By his persuasion an association of gentle- 
men, in different parts of the kingdom, was formed for the 
purpose of sending colonies to America. Upon their appli- 
cation to king James, he, by letters patent, dated in 1606, 
divided the country of Virginia, then considered as extend- 
ing from the southern boundary of North Carolina to the 
northern bonndury of Maine, into two districts, and consti- 
tuted two companies for planting colonies within them. 

The southern district he granted to Sir Thomas Gates 
and his associates, chiefly resident in London, and there- 
fore styled the London company. The northern dUirict 
he granted to Thomas Hanhan and his associates, who 
were styled the Plymouth company. The two districts 
were called South and NorfTi V^irginia. The members of 
these companies were principally merchants ; their objects 
were the extension of commerce and the discovery of 
mines of the precious metals, which were supposed to 
abound in North as well as in South America. 

For the supreme government of the colonies, a grand 
council was instituted, the members of which were to re- 
side in England, and to be appointed by the king. The 
subordinate jurisdiction was committed to a council in each 
colony, the members of which were to be appointed by the 
grand council in England, and to be governed by its instruc- 
tions. To the emigrants and their descendants were se- 
cured the enjoyment of all the rights of denizens or citi- 
zens, in the same manner and to the same extent as if the}' 
had remamed or been born in England, 

Before the date, however, of these letters patent, the 
king of France granted to the Sieur De Monts all the terri- 
tory from the 40th to the 46th degree of north latitude, or 
from New Jersey to Nova Scotia, then called Acadie. By 
virtue of this grant a settlement was made in 1604, on the 
south eastern side of the bay of Fundy, and called Port 
Royal. In 1608, Samuel Champlain, the agent of De 
Monts, laid the foundation of Quebec, the capital of Canada. 
From thes% possessions of the French, the colonies of New 
England and New York were, for more than a century, fre* 
quently and cruelly annoyed. 



CHAPTER I 
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 



The London company, soon after its incorporation in 
1606, despatched to America three ships, having on board 
one hundred and five persons destined to begin a settlement 
in South Virginia. Christopher Newport commanded the 
squadron. He was accompanied by captain Gosnold and 
other distinguished individuals, some allured by curiosity 
and some by the prospect of gain, to visit a country said to 
be inh^ibited by a new race of beings, and to abound in sil- 
ver and gold. 

A sealed box was delivered to Newport^ with directions 
that it should not be opened until twenty-four hours after 
the emigrants had landed in America. During the voyage, 
violent dissentions arose among the principal personages on 
board the squadron. Of most of them, John Smith, one of 
the adventurers, incurred the distrust and hatred. His su- 
perior talents, and the fame he had acquired by his ex- 
ploits in war, excited their envy, and probably caused him 
to claim for himself greater deference than they were 
willing or bound to yield. 

In his youth, he had been a merchant's apprentice. At 
the age of fifteen, he quitted his master and travelled in 
France, the Netherlands, Egypt, and Germany. Having 
joined the army of the emperor of Austria, who was then 
at war with the Turks, he received, as a reward for a suC' 
cessful stratagem, the command of a troop of horse. 

In three personal combats with Turkish champions, he 
came off victorious, at each time killing his adversary. In 
a battle which subsequently took place, he was wounded 
and taken prisoner. After his recovery he was sent as a 
slave to Constantinople. He had fallen into the hands of a 
cruel master ; but his mistress, captivated by his fine ap' 
pearance and heroic character, and commiserating his fate, 
sent him, in the absence of her husband, to her brother j 



10 VIRGINIA. 

who dwelt near the sea of Asoph. He, disregarding her 
directions, assigned to Smith degrading and laborious tasks, 
and beat him without mercy whenever he failed to perform 
them. 

Seizing a favorable opportunity, he killed his new master 
and fled into Russia. After visiting Germany, France, 
Spain, and Morocco, he returned to England, became ac- 
quainted with Gosnold, and was easily persuaded to em- 
bark in an expedition to a country he had not yet visited, 
in search of new scenes and new adventures. Wiiile yet at 
sea, he was accused of an intention to murder the council, 
usurp the government, and make himself king of Virginia ; 
and upon this absurd accusation was put in continement. 

The place of their destination was the disastrous position 
at Roanoke. A storm fortunately drove them to the mouth 
of Chesapeake bay, which they entered on the 26th of 
April, 1607. Discovering a large and beautiful river, they 
gave it the name of James River, ascended it, and on its 
banks had several interviews with the natives. 

In one of these a chief came forward, holding in one hand 
his bow and arrows, in the other a pipe of tobacco, and de- 
manded the cause of their coming. They made signs of 
peace, and were received as friends. Paspiha, another 
chief, when informed of their wish to settle in the country, 
oflfered them as much land as they wanted, and sent them a 
deer for their entertainment. 

On the 13th of May, they debarked at a place which 
they called Jamestown. On opening the sealed box, it was 
found to contain the names of the council and instructions 
for their guidance. In the list were the names of Gosnold, 
Smith, VVingfield, and Newport. Wingfield was elected 
president, and a vote was passed excluding Smith from his 
seat at the board. He was, however, released from con- 
finement. 

The whole country was then a wilderness, in which a 
few Indians roamed in pursuit of their enemies, or of wild 
beasts for food. In color they were darker than the Eu- 
ropean, but not so black as the negro. They possessed all 
the vices and virtues of the savage state ; were cunning in 
stratagem, ferocious in battle, cruel to their conquered en- 
emies, kind and hospitable to their friends. They had no 
written language ; they were unacquainted with the use of 



VmciNIA, 11 

iron and the other metals ; their weapons of war were a bow 
and arrows, a stone hatchet, which they called a tomahawk, 
and a club. They lived principally by hunting, but some- 
times cultiyated small patches of Indian corn. 

From such neighbors the emigrants could expect but lit- 
tle aid or comfort. Yet they took no care to provide for 
their future subsistence or preservation. They planted 
nothing the first year. The provisions brought from Eng- 
land were soon consumed. In four months, famine and the 
diseases of a hot and damp climate swept away fifty of their 
number. 

These dreadful distresses led them to reflect upon their 
situation and conduct. Having become sensible of their in- 
justice to Smith, they, at his request, had granted him a 
trial, which resulted in an honorable acquittal. His per- 
sonal talents and activity now enforced, in adversity, the 
same regard and deference which, in prosperous times, are 
yielded only to vested authority and official station. 

By his advice, a fort was erected, to protect them from 
the attacks of the Indians. To procure provisions and ex- 
plore the country, he made frequent and distant excursions 
into the wilderness. In one of these, he seized an Indian 
idol, made with skins stuflfed with moss, for the redemption 
of which as much corn was brought him as he required. 
Sometimes he procured supplies by caresses, sometimes by 
purchase, and when these means failed of success, he scru- 
pled not to resort to stratagem and violence. 

But in the midst of his activity and usefulness, he was, 
while exploring the source of the river Chickahominy, sur- 
prised and attacked by a party of Indians. He defended 
himself bravely until his companions were killed, when he 
turned to flee. Running at hazard, he sunk to his neck in 
a swamp and was taken prisoner. 

The exulting savages conducted him in triumph through 
several towns to their king, Powhatan. At the end of six 
weeks, their chiefs assembled to deliberate on his fate. 
They decided that he should die. He was led forth to exe- 
cution ; his head was placed upon a stone, and an Indian 
stood near with a club, the instrument of death. At this 
instant Pocahontas, the young and favorite daughter of the 
king, appeared, and rushing between the executioner and 
the prisoner, folded his head in her arms and entreated 



12 vifedisu, 

her father to spare his life. Powhatan relented, directed 
Smith to be conducted to his wigwam or hut, and soon after- 
wards sent him, escorted by twelve guides, to Jamestown. 

On his arrival there, he found the number of settlers re- 
duced to thirty eight, and most of these had determined to 
abandon the country. By persuasions and threats, he in- 
duced a majority to relinquish their design. The remain- 
der, more resolute, went on board a small vessel in the 
river. Against these he instantly directed the guns of the 
fort, when, to avoid the danger of being sunk, they hasten- 
ed back to their companions. 

Sustaining now a high reputation among the Indians, he 
obtained from them occasional supplies of provisions, which 
preserved the colony from famine. The princess Poca- 
hontas also, remembering him whose life she had saved, 
frequently sent him such articles as were most needed. 
The settlers were thus enabled to subsist until Captain 
Newport, who had returned to England, again arrived at 
Jamestown, with a quantity of provisions, and one hundred 
and twenty persons, who came to reside in the colony. 

All danger being in appearance over, the emigrants no 
longer submitted to the authority, nor listened to the ad- 
vice of Smith. Disorder and confusion followed ; and 
about this time, that raging passion for gold, which first im- 
pelled Europeans to resort to this country, was again ex- 
cited. In a stream north of Jamestown, a glittering earth 
was discovered which was supposed to be golJ dust. " Im- 
mediately," says Stith, in his history, " there was no 
thought, no discourse, no hope, and no work, but to dig 
gold, wash gold, refine gold, and load gold." And notwith- 
standing the remonstrances of Smith, a ship was freighted 
with this worthless commodity and sent to England. 

Finding he could not be useful at Jamestown, and un- 
willing to be idle. Smith set out upon an expedition to ex- 
plore the coasts of the Chesapeake. With great labor and 
fatigue, he examined every inlet, river, and bay, as far as 
the mouth of the Rappahannock ; whence, his provisions 
being exhausted, he returned home. 

He found the people turbulent and discontented. They 
charged the president with squandering the p«btie proper- 
ty, and imposing upon them unnecessary fatigue, by com- 
peUing them to build for himself a house of pleasure in the 



woods. He was deposed ; Smith was chosen to succeed 
him ; he refused to accept the office, but no other person 
was appointed. 

Having procured a supply of provisions, he again depart- 
€d to complete the survey of the Chesapeake. He visiter 
all the countries on both shores ; he traded with some 
tribes ; he fought with others ; and left, among all, the high- 
est admiration of the beneticence or valor of the English. 

Returning after an absence of six weeks, he was agaiii 
chosen president. Yielding to the general wish, he cort- 
sented to accept the office. Under his administration, hab- 
its of industry and subordination were formed, and peace 
and plenty smiled upon the colony. 

In 1609, the London company having obti».ined a new 
charter, conferring greater powers and privileges than the 
former, despatched to Virginia nine ships, carrying live 
hundred emigrants, and certain officers appointed to super- 
sede the existing government. The ship in which these 
officers embarked, was driven ashore on the island of Ber- 
mu<las. The settlers who came in the others were licen- 
tious, profligate, and disorderly. Assuming the power of 
disposing of the government, they conferred it sometimes on 
one, and sometimes on another. 

In this confusion. Smith hesitated but a short time in de- 
ciding what course to pursue. He determined that his au- 
thority was not suspended until the arrival of the persons 
appointed to supersede him, and resumed, with a strong 
liand, the reins of government. He boldly imprisoned the 
leaders of the sedition, and restored for a time regularity 
and obedience. 

The Indians, jealous of the increasing power of the 
strangers who had invaded their country, concerted a plot 
to destroy them. Pocahontas, the constant friend of Vir- 
ginia, hastened, in a dark and dreary night, to Jamestown, 
and informed Smith of his danger. Measures of precaution 
were instantly taken. The Indians, perceiving that their 
design was discovered, again brought presents of peace to 
the English. 

Soon after. Smith, having received by accident a severe 
wound, returned to England to procure the aid of a sur- 
geon. Disastrous consequences followed. The Indians. 



14 VIRGINIA. 

learning that the man whom they dreaded most had left 
the colony, attacked it with united forces. A dreadful fam- 
ine ensued. To such extremity were the settlers reduced, 
that they devoured the skins of the horses, the bodies of 
the Indians whom they had killed, and at last those of their 
own companions, who had sunk under accumulated mis- 
eries. These tremendous sufferings were recollected long 
afterwards with horror, and the period was remembered 
and distinguished by the name of the " starving time.'* 

In six months, the colony, from five hundred persons, 
was reduced to sixty ; and these were exceedingly feeble 
and dejected. In this situation they were visited by those 
who were shipwrecked at Bermudas. All immediately de- 
termined to return to England. For this purpose the rem- 
nant of the colony embarked on board the ships just arrived- 
and sailed down the river. Fortunately they were met by 
Lord Delaware, who had been appointed governor of Vir- 
ginia, and who, having brought with him a supply of pro-* 
visions, persuaded them to return to Jamestown, 

This nobleman, by the mildness of his temper and his as- 
siduity in business, restored order and contentment ; and 
the Indians were again taught to respect and fear the Eng- 
lish. After a short administration, he was succeeded by 
Sir Thomas Dale, by whom, on the recurrence of disorder- 
ly conduct, martial law was proclaimed and rigidly en- 
forced. In the same year, (1611,) Sir Thomas Gates was 
appointed governor. He brought with him to Virginia a 
reinforcement of settlers, by whom new towns were found- 
ed. And another charter was granted by the king, confer- 
ring additional privileges. 

In 1612, captain Argal having learned, while on a trading 
voyage to the Potomac, that Pocahontas was in the neigh- 
borhood, visited and persuaded her to go on board his ves- 
sel. He treated her respectfully, but detained and carried 
her to Jamestown. He presumed that the possession of 
Pocahontas would give the English an ascendency over 
Powhatan, who was known to feel a strong attachment to 
his daughter. 

In this, however, he was disappointed. Powhatan, no- 
ble by nature, felt indignant at this instance of treachery in 
the English. He offered a ransom for his daughter, but re- 
fused to consent to any terms of peace until she was re- 
stored. 



m 



VIRGINIA. t6 

During her stay at Jamestown, her beauty, her artlese 
simplicity, and those graces of manner wliich ever accom- 
pany dignity of mind and innocence of heart, won the affec- 
tions of Mr. Rolfe, a young and respectable planter. He 
succeeded in producing a reciprocal attachment. They 
were married with the consent of Powhatan. The conse 
quence of this marriage was peace with her father, and with 
all the tribes who stood in awe of his power. 

Rolfe and his princess made a voyage to England, where 
she was received by the king and queen with the attention 
due to her rank. For her virtues, and her disinterested 
services, she was universally beloved and respected. She 
died when about to return to America, leaving one son, 
from whom are descended some of the most respectable 
families in Virginia. 

In 1613, captain Argal was sent, with a naval force, to 
drive the French from the settlements they had begun in 
Acadia, which were considered to be within the limits of 
Horth Virginia. He accomplished the object of the expe- 
dition, and, when returning, visited a Dutch trading estab- 
lishment on Hudson's river, which was also within the 
same limits. The governor, too feeble to resist, acknow- 
ledged himself subject to the king of England. 

The king, in his instructions given at the time of the first 
emigration to Jamestown, directed that all the land should 
be owned in common, and that the produce of the labor 
of all should be deposited in the public stores. In such cir- 
cumstances, no one would labor with the same steadiness 
and animation as if he, and he alone, was to possess and 
enjoy the fruit of his industry. A different regulation was 
now adopted. To each inhabitant, three acres of land were 
assigned in full property, and he was permitted to employ. 
In the cultivation of it, a certain portion of his time. The 
effects of this alteration were immediately visible, and de- 
monstrated so clearly its wisdom, that soon after another 
assignment of fifty acres was made ; and the plan of work- 
ing in a common field, to fill the public stores, was entirely 
abandoned. 

Since the year 1611, the colony had been governed by 
martial law, which was administered, by deputy governor 
Argal, with so much rigor as to excite universal discon- 
tent. The council in England, listening to the complaints 



of the Virginians, appointed Mr* Ycardly governofj and 
instructed him to inquire into and redress their wrongs. 

He arrived in April, !6l9,and immediately, to the great 
joy of the inhabitants, called a general assembly of the co- 
lony. It met at Jamestown, on the 19th of June, and was 
composed of delegates from the boroughs, then amounting 
to seven. They, the governor, and the council, sat and 
deliberated in the same apartments, and acted as one bodJ^ 

Emigrants continued to arrive frequently from England, 
but nearly all were men, who came for the purpose of ob- 
taining wealth, and intended eventually to return. With 
such views, they were evidently less useful to the colony 
than if they should be induced to regard it as their home^ 
and as the abode of their posterity. To produce this de- 
sirable attachment to the country, ninety girls, young and 
uncorrupt, were sent over in the year 1 620, and sixty more 
in the subsequent year, and immediately sold to the young 
planters as wives. The price was, at first, one hundred^ 
and afterwards, one hundred and fifty pounds of tobacco, 
ihen selling at three shillings the pound : and it was ordain- 
ed, that debts, contracted for wives, should be paid in pre- 
ference to all others. 

About the same time, another measure, ofa different cha- 
racter, was adopted. The company were ordered by the 
king to transport to Virginia one hundred idle and dissolute 
persons, then in custody for their offences. They were 
distributed through the colony, and employed as laborers. 

A Dutch vessel also brought into James river twenty 
Africans, who were immediately purchased as slaves. This 
was the commencement, in the English American colonies, 
of a traffic abhorrent to humanity, disgraceful to civilization, 
and fixing the foulest stain upon the character of the age 
and people. 

The colony wa*? nor/ in the full tide of prosperit}'. Its 
numbers had greatly increased, and its settlements were 
widely extended. At peace with the Indians, it reposed 
in perfect security, and enjoyed without alloy all the hap- 
piness which its fortunate situation and favorable prospects 
afforded. It was doomed to experience a reverse of for- 
tune, sudden, distressing, and terrible. 

Powhatan, the friend of the English, was dead. Ope- 
cancanough, a chief endowed with all those qualities whicl\ 



VIRGINIA. IT 

give rank and reputation to an Indian warrior, had succeed- 
ed him in his influence and power, but he was the secret 
and implacable enemy of the whites. By his art and elo- 
quence, he united all the neighboring tribes in the horrid 
ble design of destroying every man. woman, and child 
in the English settlements. 

The plan was concerted and matured, with all the secre- 
cy and dissimulation which characterize the savages. While 
intent on their plot, they visited the settlements, lodged 
in the houses, bought arms of the English, and even bor- 
rowed their boats to enable them to accomplish their bar- 
barous purpose. 

On the evening before the fatal day, they brought them 
presents of game ; and the next morning came freely among 
them, behaving as usual. Suddenlj^ precisely at mid-day, 
the blow fell, at the same instant, upon the unsuspecting 
settlers ; and three hundred and forty -seven men, women* 
and children, were victims to savage treachery and cruelty. 

The massacre would have been more extensive had 
not a domesticated Indian, residing in one of the villages, 
revealed the plot to his master whom he had been solicited 
to murder, hiformation was instantly given to some of 
the nearest settlements, and just in time to save them from 
the calamity \vhich fell upon the others. 

The horrid spectacle before them roused the English 
from repose to vengeance. A vindictive and exterminat- 
ing war succeeded. The whites were victorious, destroy^ 
ing many of their enemies, and obliging the remainder tc 
retire far into the wilderness. But their own number 
melted away before the miseries of war ; their settlements 
were reduced from eighty to eight, and famine again visit- 
ed them with its afflicting scourge. In \6^4, out of nine 
thousand persons, who had been sent from England, but 
eighteen hundred existed in the colony. 

These continual misfortunes attracted the attention of 
lj;ing James. He revoked the charter which he had grants 
ed, and committed the management of all the affairs of the 
colony to a governor and twelve counsellors, who were to 
be appointed by the king and to be guided by his instruc- 
tions. Of these instructions, those concerning tobacco, 
the principal article exported from the colony, may be ta- 
feeo as a sample. It was ordained that those who raised i( 



18 VIRGINIA* 

should not themselves be permitted to dispose of it, hui 
should export it to England, and deliver it to certain desig- 
nated agents ; and they alone were authorized to sell it. 

Under such arbitrary regulations, the people lived an(J 
suffered, until the year 1G36, when sir John Harvey held" 
the office of governor. He was haughty, rapacious, unfeel- 
ing, and fitted, by his disposition, to exercise power in the 
true spiric of his instructions. Inflamed to madness by his 
oppressions, the Virginians, in a fit of popular rage, seized 
and sent him a prisoner to England. At the same time, 
they despatched two deputies charged to represent the 
grievances of the colony and the governor's misconduct. 

Charles the first, who was then king, indignant at the vio- 
lent proceeding, received the deputies sternly, and sent 
back the governor, invested with all his former powers. 
He Wci9, however, in 1 639, succeeded by sir William Berke- 
ley, who was instructed again to allow the Virginians to 
elect representatives. Such was their gratitude to the 
king for this favor, that during the civil wars between him 
and his parliament, they were faithful to the royal cause, 
and continued ftiithful even after he was dethroned and his 
son driven into exile. 

The parliament, irritated by this conduct of the Virgi- 
nians, sent sir George Ayscue, in 1652, with a powerful 
fleet, to reduce them to submission. Berkeley, with more 
spirit than prudence, opposed this force ; but after mak- 
ing a gallant resistance, he was obliged to yield. He ob- 
tained the most favorable terms for the colony, but asked 
no stipulations in his own favor. Withdrawing to a retired 
situation, he lived beloved and respected by the people. 

For nine years afterwards, governors appointed by 
Cromwell, continued to preside over the colony. But the 
predilection for royalty, which the inhabitants had display- 
ed, was remembered, and they were less favored than those 
of New England, who, like the predominant party in Great 
Britain, were republicans in politics, and puritans in reli- 
gion. Arbitrary restrictions upon the commerce of Vir- 
ginia checked its prosperity, and produced discontent. At 
rength, the sudden death of governor Matthews afforded, 
to the adherents of the royal cause, a favorable opportunity, 
which they gladly seized, to proclaim Charles the second, 
imd to invite Berkeley to Fesame the authority of governor. 



VIRGI^'XA» 19 

He consented, requiring only their solemn promise to ha- 
zard their lives and fortunes in supporting the cause they 
had espoused. 

At this period, no intelligence had been received of the 
death of Cromwell. Fortunately for the colony, that event 
happened soon after ; the king whom they had proclaimed 
was restored to the throne ; and Virginia for a long time 
boasted, that she was the last of the British dominions that 
submitted to Cromwell, and the first that returned to her 
allegiance. 

Charles the second confirmed sir William Berkeley int 
the office of gorernor ; but, with characteristic ingratitude, 
he neglected the interests of the colony, and even imposed 
additional restrictions upon its commerce. He also grant- 
ed to his favorites large tracts of land which belonged to 
the colony. These injuries, inflicted by a hand which 
ought to have bestowed favors, wounded the feelings of the 
Virginians, and produced murmurs and complaints. No 
relief being granted, an open and turbulent insurrection 
was the consequence. 

At the head of the insurgents, was Nathaniel Bacon. 
He was a lawyer, educated in London, and was appointed 
a member of the council, a short time after his emigration 
to Virginia, He was young, bold, ambitious ; his person 
engaging, and his elocution commanding. He harangued 
the citizens upon their grievances ; inflamed their resent- 
ment against their rulers ; declaimed particularly against 
the languor with which the war, then existing with the In- 
dians, had been conducted ; and such wastheefl'ect of his re- 
presentations, that he was elected general by the people. 

He applied to the governor for a commission confirming 
this election, and ofi'ered instantly to march, at the head of 
the citizens, against the savages. Sir William indignantly 
refused, and issued a proclamation commanding the insur- 
gents to disperse. Bacon had advanced too far to recede 
with honor or safety. He hastened, at the head of six 
hundred armed followers, to Jamestown, surrounded the 
.bouse where the governor and council were asserablcid: 
and repeated his demand. 

The council, intimidated by the threats of the enyaged 
pattltitude, hastily prepared a commission, and, by their en- 
freatiesj prerailed on the governor to sign it. Bacon antl 



20 VIRGINIA. - 

his troops, then began their march against the Indians. But 
the council, when reheved from their fears, declared the 
commission void, and proclaimed him a rebel. Enraged at 
this conduct, he instantly returned, with all his forces, to 
Jamestown. The governor fle<l, the council dispersed, and 
he found himself in possession of supreme power. To give 
it some show of legality, he called together the most con- 
siderable gentlemen in the colony, who bound themselves 
by oath to support his authority. 

Some districts remained faithful to Berkeley, who col- 
lected forces, and made inroads into those sections where 
Bacon's authority was recognised. The latter retaliated; 
and for some months, a civil war, with all its peculiar hor- 
rors, raged in Virginia. Jamestown was burned, and some 
of the finest and best cultivated districts were laid waste. 

King Charles, informed of the situation of affairs, de- 
spatched a body of troops to the assistance of Berkeley. 
Bacon and his followers, unintimidated by their approach, 
determined to oppose them ; but when prepared to take 
the field, this daring and successful leader, having exer- 
cised the supreme power for seven months, sickened and 
died ; and no person being found among the insurgents 
qualified to supply his {dace, as the general of an array, or 
as a popular leader, they laid down their arms and dis- 
persed. 

Governor Berkeley again assumed the supreme authori^ 
ty, and finding the rebels in his power, pursued them with 
unsparing rigor. Many were tried by courts martial, and 
executed. The assembly interfered, praying him to stop 
the work of death, and enacted laws which gradually re- 
stored tranquillity. Soon after. Sir William returned to 
England, and his authority devolved on colonel Jeffreys, 
the lieutenant-governor. Under his administration, peace 
was concluded with the Indians ; and notwithstanding the 
tyrannical regulations of the king, and the oppressive re* 
strictions upon commerce, the colony increased in wealth 
and population. In the year 1688, the number of inhabit- 
ants exceeded 60,000. 

Between this period and the commencement of the 
Trench war of 1766, an account of which will be found in 
a subsequent chapter, but few events occurred in the colo- 
ny of sufficient importance to find a place in historj'. Jts 



VIRGINIA. 21 

position, remote from the settlements of the French m 
Canada, and of the Spaniards in Florida, was favorable to 
its quiet. New-England and New-York, on the one hand^ 
Georgia and the Carolinas on the other, protected it from 
savage incursions. Its affairs were administered by gov- 
ernors appointed by the king, and representatives chosen 
by the people. 

The laudable efforts of these representatives, to arrest 
the progress of slavery in the colony, ought not to be pass- 
ed over in silence. Convinced of its inhumanity, and fore- 
seeing the dreadful evils which it must produce, they ofteo 
passed laws prohibiting the importation of slaves ; but those 
who were higher in authority, yielding to the wishes of 
merchants engaged in the abominable traffic, persisted, 
with criminal obstinacy, in withholding their assent. Eng- 
land, not America, is responsible for the wretchedness,, 
which her kings an:l her officers were often importuned^ 
but refused, to avert. 



CHAPTER li. 
MASSACHUSETTS. 



Of the two companies incorporated by king James, an 
account of the proceedings and dissolution of one, and a 
history of the colony it founded, have been given in the 
preceding chapter. To the other, or Plymouth company, 
was assigned a portion of the American continent lying far- 
ther to the north, and at that time called North Virginia 

The latter, in 1606, the year in which both were incor- 
porated, despatched a ship to make discoveries within the 
limits of its grant. Before the voyage was completed, she 
was captured by the Spaniards. Another ship, afterwards 
sent for the same purpose, returned with such a favorable 
account of the territory that the company was encouraged 
to proceed in the undertaking. 

The next year, forty-five men were sent over and left nt 
the mouth of the river Kennebec* In 1608, dispirited by 
the hardships they had endured, they returned to England 
in ships which had brought them provisions and succors. 
The company, disappointed and dissatisfied, desisted for 
a while from all attempts to effect a settlement. 

In 1614, John Smith, the same who acted a conspicuous 
part in the settlement of Virginia, made a voyage to this 
northern country, touching first at the mouth of the Kenne- 
bee. Sailing thence, in an open boat, he surveyed the 
coast to the southern boundary of Massachusetts bay. The 
northern promontory he named Tragabigzanda, in honor 
of the Turkish lady to whom he had formerly been a slave= 
The three small islands, lying near the head of the pro- 
montory, he called the Three Turks' Heads, in memory of 
his victory over the three Turkish champions. Both ap« 
pellations have been changed for others. On his return to 
England, he presented to prince Charles a map of the 
country, and gave him such a glowing description of it« 



24 HASSACHIJSETTS. 

beauty and excellence, that he, in the warmth of his admi 
Fation, declared it should bear the name of New-England, 

Smith afterwards made an attempt to transport a colony 
thither, which was unsuccessful ; and New-England might 
long have remained the abode of wild beasts and savages 
only, had not motives, more powerful than the love of gain 
or of perilous adventures, impelled men, diflfering from all 
others who had been the founders of colonies, to select it 
as the place of their residence. 

In the beginning of the seventeenth century, James the 
first asserted and maintained a despotic power over the 
consciences of his English subjects. All who presumed to 
dissent from the creed which he had adopted were perse- 
cuted with extreme rigor. In that age, the maxim was 
avowed by ecclesiastics of all sects as well as politicians, 
that uniformity in religion was essential to the repose of 
society, and tha! it was therefore the right and duty of 
every sovereign to preserve it in his dominions, by the 
exercise of all his powers of restraint and punishment. 

But free inquiry had lately received such an impulse 
from the success of Luther and the other reformers, that 
the civil authority was unable to arrest or controll it. Va- 
rious sects arose, dissenting from the established religion, 
and all distinguished by their democratic tenets respecting 
church government. Persecuted at home, a small number, 
belonging to the sect wliich were afterwards called Inde- 
pendents, removed to Leyden, in Holland, where they 
formed a distinct society under the care of their pastor, the 
Rev. John Robinson. By their rigid virtues and exempla- 
ry deportment, they acquired the respect of the magistrates 
and citizens. 

After residing several years in that city, various consider 
ations induced them to resolve to leave it. In 1618, they 
applied to the London, or South Virginia, company, for a 
grant of land in America ; and to ensure success, they ob- 
served, "that they were well weaned from the delicate 
milk of the mother country, and inured to the difficulties 
of a strange land ; that they were knit together by a strict 
and sacred bond, by virtue of which they held themselves 
bound to take care of the good of each other and of the 
whole ; that it was not with them as with other men, whom 
small things could discourage, or small discontents cause tp 
wish themselves home again." 



MASSACHUSETTS. 25 

A grant was obtained, and in September, 1620, a part of 
them set sail for Hudson's river ; but the master of the 
«hip, bribed, it is said, by the Dutch, who claimed the sole 
light of trading in that quarter, carried them farther north, 
and the first land they discovered was cape Cod. This, 
they were aware, was beyond the Hmits of the London 
company, but it was now November, and too late in the 
season to put again to sea. They therefore determined to 
land at the first place they could find suitable for a settle- 
ment. 

Before leaving the ship, the heads of families and free- 
men, forty one in number, signed a solemn covenant, com- 
bining themselves into a body politic for the purpose of 
making equal laws ibr the general good. They ordained 
that a governor and assistants should be annually chosen, 
but the sovereign power remained in the whole body of 
freemen. John Carver was elected governor. 

On the 11 th of December, (O. S.) they landed onadesolate 
coast. Sterile sands and gloomy forests were the only objects 
that met their view. The severity of the cold, greater than 
they had ever experienced, admonished them to seek pro- 
tection against it ; and their first employment was the erec- 
tion of huts in the most convenient and sheltered situations. 
In these miserable abodes they passed the winter, those at 
least who survived it. By the succeeding spring, one half 
of their number had perished, exhausted by continual suf- 
fering, and by the privation of every worldly comfort 
which they had been accustomed to enjoy. 

Their settlement was found to be within the limits of 
the Plymouth company from which they solicited and ob- 
tained a grant of land ; but they were never incorporated by 
the king. They called the place New- Plymouth. They of- 
ten received small additions to their number, which, in 
1630, amounted to three hundred. 

In the mean time, the same causes that drove Mr. Ro 
binson and his congregation from England had continued to 
operate. A class of dissenters, denominated puritans from 
the austerity of their manners, and from their claims to su- 
perior purity in worship and discipline, had become nume* 
rous ; and as, by their new mode of worship, they violated 
the laws of the land, they were prosecuted as criminals. 
Their faith was confirmed and their zeal increased by theii' 

3 



26 MASSACHUSETTS. 

sufferings ; and h;)ving learned that complete religious free- 
dom was enjoyed at New-Plymouth, in America, they natu- 
rally directed their thoughts to that country, as a secure 
asylum from persecution. 

In 1627, an association of puritans, residing at Dorches- 
ter and the vicinity, whs formed for the purpose of plant- 
ing a colony in New-England, to which they and their 
brethren might repair, and, in seclusion and safety, wor» 
ship God according to tne dictates of conscience. They 
obtained from the Plymouth company, a grant of the terri- 
tory, which now constitutes a part of the state of Massa- 
chusetts, and sent over, under the direction of John Endi- 
cott, a small number of people, to begin a plantation. 
These, in September, landed at a place called, by the In- 
dians, Naumkeag, and. by themselves, Salem, 

The next year, they obtained a charter from the crowD; 
by which the usual powers of a corporation were confer- 
red upon the grantees, by the name of the " Governor 
and Company of Massachusetts Bay, in New-England." It 
ordained, that the officers of the company should be a Gov- 
ernor, a deputy Governor, and eighteen assistants, to be 
named, in the first instance, by the crown, and afterwards 
elected by the corporation. Four stated meetings of all 
the members were to be held annually, under the denom- 
ination of the General Court, at which they were author- 
ised to admit freemen or members, and to make such ordi- 
nances or laws, not repugnant to the laws of England, as 
they might deem expedient. The colonists, and their de- 
scendants, were declared to be entitled to all the rights of 
natural born English subjects. 

At a General Court, held at London, in 1629, the officers 
prescribed by the charter, were elected, and several or- 
dinances were adopted for the government of the compa- 
ny. Three hundred people were sent over, of whom one 
hundred, dissatisfied with the situation of Salem, removed 
to Charlestown. Religion was the first object of their 
care in the country they had adopted. A religious cove- 
nant was agreed upon, and a confession of faith drawn up. 
to which their assent was given. Pastors were chosen, 
and were, from necessity, installed into their sacred offices 
by the imposition of the hands of the brethren. 

The ensuing winter was a period of uncommon suffer 



MASSACHUSETTS. 27 

tng and sickness. The cold was intense ; the houses were 
unfinished ; the provisions were insufficient and uruvhole-^ 
some. Before spring, nearly half their number perished, 
" lamenting that they could not live to see the rising glo- 
ries of the faithful." 

These calamities had some effect in deterring others 
from joining them ; but the consideration that the general 
courts were held, the officers elected, and the laws enact- 
ed, in London, had still greater influence It did not com- 
port with the views and feelings of those who disdained to 
submit to authority in matters of faith, to consent to re- 
move to the new world, and there be governed by law^ 
which they could have no part in enacting. Representa- 
tions to this effect were made to the company, who re- 
solved that the government and patent should be removed 
to Massachusetts. 

This wise resolution gave such encouragement to emi- 
gration, that, in 1630, more than fifteen hundred persons 
came over, and founded Boston and several adjacent towns. 
Of these persons, all were respectable, and many were 
from illustrious and noble families. Having been accus- 
tomed to a life of ease and enjoyment, their sufferings, the 
first year, were great, and proved fatal to many ; among 
others, to the lady Arabella, who, to use the words of an 
early historian of the country, " came from a paradise of 
plenty and pleasure, in the family of a noble earl, into a 
wilderness of wants ; and although celebrated for her many 
virtues, yet was no]^ able to encounter the adversity she 
was surrounded with ; and, in about a month after her ar- 
rival, she ended her days at Salem, where she first land- 
ed." Mr. Johnson, her husband, overcome with grief, 
survived her but a short time. 

Before December, two hundred perished. On the 24tli 
of that month, the cold became intense. Such a Christmas 
eve they had never before known. Yet the inclemency 
of the weather continued to increase. They were almost 
destitute of provisions, and many were obliged to subsist 
on clams, muscles, and other shell fish, with nuts and 
acorns instead of bread. Many more died ; but in^this ex- 
tremity, that ardor of conviction which impelled them to 
emigrate, remained in full force, and they met, with a firm 
oiishaken spirit^ the calamities which assailed them. 



28 



MASSACHUSETTS. 



One great object of the puritans, in retiring to the unoc- 
cupied regions of New England, was the establishment of 
a religious commonwealth, as nearly upon the model of 
that of the Jews as the difference of circumstances would 
admit. To accomplish this object, they deemed it neces- 
sary, and at a general court, held in 1631, they ordained, 
that none but those who had made a profession of religion 
and had become members of some church, should be ad- 
mitted members of the corporation, or enjoy the privilege 
of voting. 

This law has been too severely censured by those who 
have lived in more liberal and enlightened times. It con- 
tradicted none of the professions of the puritans. It was 
in strict accordance with the avowed motives of their emi- 
gration. It exhibited less intolerance than was then dis- 
played by every other nation. It violated the rights of no 
one, for no one could claim a right to come into the terri- 
tory which they had purchased. And it was doubtless es- 
sential, such was then the temper of men's minds, to the 
repose of their little society. 

The colonists had frequently been alarmed, but never 
yet attacked, by the Indians. These were not, in fact, in 
a condition to do much injury. A few years before the 
arrival of the English, a contadous distemper swept away 
a great number, almost exterminating several tribes. In 
1633, the small pox destroyed many who had survived the 
pestilence ; and the territory, contiguous to the first settle- 
ments of the English, seemed to have been providentially 
made vacant for their reception. As an attack from this 
quarter was, however, possible, and as the French, who 
had a trading establishment at Acadia, had discovered 
some symptoms of hostility, it was thought advisable to 
erect fortifications at Boston, and other places, and to open 
a correspondence with their neighbors at New- Plymouth. 

So far from the capital had the settlements extended, 
that it was found extremely inconvenient for all the free- 
men to assemble and transact the necessary public busi- 
ness. In 1634, the mode of legislation was altered, by 
the general consent of the towns. They delegated to 
twenty-four representatives, the authority granted, by the 
charter, to the whole body of freemen. This important 
alteration was adopted the more readily, as the emigrant-i 



MASSACHUSETTS, 29 

had been familiar, in their native country, with the repre- 
sentative system. The appellation of General Court, 
which had been applied to all the freemen when assem- 
bled, was now transferred to their representatives. 

In the same year, Roger Wilhams, the minister of Sa- 
lem, having occasioned disturbances, by advancing tenets 
considered not only heretical but seditious, and being 
found irreclaimable, was ordered to leave the colony. He 
retired to Kehoboth, which was then within the jurisdic- 
tion of Plymouth. 

In 1635, Massachusetts received from England a large 
number of inhabitant^ and among them came two who af- 
terwards acted conspicuous parts in the aifairs of their na- 
tive country. One was Hugh Peters, who was subse- 
quently a chaplain ol Oliver Cromwell ; the other was Mr. 
Vane, afterwards Sir Henry Vane. The latter was but 
26 3'ears of age ; but by his show of great humility, his 
grave and solemn deportment, and his ardent professions 
of attachment to liberty, he stole the hearts of the puri- 
tans, and, the year after his arrival, was made governor of 
the colony. 

His popularity, however, was transient. During his ad- 
ministration, the celebrated Mrs. Hutchinson, a woman 
who was distinguished for her eloquence, and had im- 
bibed the enthusiasm of the age, instituted weekly meet- 
ings for persons of her own sex, in which she comment- 
ed on the sermons of the preceding Sunday, and advan- 
ced certain mystical and extravagant doctrines. These 
spread rapidly among the people, and many became con- 
verts. 

Governor Vane, with Mr. Cotton and Mr. Wheelwright, 
two distinguished clergymen, embraced them with ardor ; 
but lieutenant governor Winthrop, and a majority of the 
churches, deemed them heretical and seditious. Great 
excitement was produced among the people ; many con- 
ferences were held ; public fasts were appointed ; a gen- 
eral synod was summoned ; and after much intemperate 
discussion, her opinions were determined to be erroneous, 
and she and some of her adherents were banished from 
the colony. 

Not being again chosen governor. Vane returned in dis- 
gust to England, engaged in the civil wars, which soon af- 

3» 



30 MASSACHUSETTS. 

ter afflicted that country, sustained high offices in the re- 
publican party, and after the restoration of Charles IL 
was accused of high treason, convicted and executed. Pe- 
ters pursued a similar career, and met with the same fate. 

In such high repute, at this time, were the settlements 
in Massachusetts, that other Englishmen, still more con- 
spicuous, had determined to leave their native land, that 
they might enjoy, in a desert, the civil and religious lib- 
erty which was denied them at home. Among these were 
Mr. Hambden, Sir Arthur Haselrig, and Oliver Cromwell; 
whom king Charles, by express order, detained, when on 
the point of embarking. Little did he imagine that, by 
this act of arbitrary po^ver, he kept within his kingdom 
those restless votaries of freedom, who were destined te 
overturn his throne, and bring his head to the block. 

By the settlement of Massachusetts, the attention oi 
emigrants was diverted from the colony of Plymouth, 
where the soil was less fertile. It nevertheless contin- 
ued to increase, although slowly, in population. In 1633 
the government of that colony built a trading house, near 
Hartford, which was the first building erected within the 
boundaries of Connecticut. Soon after, many persons re- 
paired thither from Massachusetts. In 16.^6, Roger WiU 
liams laid the foundation of Rhode Island. Subsequently, 
New-Hampshire and New-Haven were founded, which 
increased to five the number of colonies in New-England . 

The rapid progress of the English settlements, excited 
the jealousy of the natives. They had welcomed, with- 
out fear, the emigrants who first landed, not anticipating 
their future encroachments. The experience of a few 
years convinced them that they must either exterminate 
these invaders of their country, or be themselves exter 
minated. 

Within the boundaries of Rhode Island and Connecti- 
cut, lived two warlike tribes, the Pequods and Narragan- 
sets. The former were hostile, the latter friendly, to the 
whites. Between the two tribes, an inveterate enmity ex- 
isted ; but the more sagacious and politic Pequods proposed 
that all animosities should be forgotten, and their united 
strength directed against their invaders, before they had 
become too strong to be resisted. At first the Narragan- 
sets wavered, but their hatred of the Pequods overpower 



MASSACHUSETTS, 3i 

ed the suggestions of policy. They disclosed the pro- 
posal to the English, and invited them to join in a war 
against their common enemy. 

The colonies were roused to a sense of their danger. 
In 1637, Massachusetts, Plymouth, and Connecticut, agreed 
to unite their forces, and attempt the entire destruction of 
the Fequods. Captain Mason, with eighty men, princi- 
pally from Connecticut, and three hundred friendly In- 
dians, was immediately sent into the country of th • ene- 
my. Early in the morning of the 26th of May, he attack- 
ed one of their principal villages, which had been sur- 
rounded with pallisadoes. The resistance was brave and 
obstinate, and the issue of the battle for some time doubt 
ful ; but the whites, forcing their way into the enclosure, 
set fire to the wigwams, and then, retreating a short dis" 
tance, surrounded the town. Many of the Indians perish- 
ed in the flames ; others were shot, in their attempts to 
flee. Of five or six hundred, within the enclosure, but 
few escaped. The English troops, of whom two were 
killed and sixteen wounded, returned in triumph to Hart- 
ford. 

In June, another body of troops, principally from Mas- 
sachusetts, marched into the enemy's country, surrounded 
a swamp, into which a parly of them had retired, and 
took eighty captive. Some escaping, they were pursued 
to another swamp, situated near New-Haven, where the 
whole strength of the tribe was collected. This was, in 
like manner, surrounded ; a sharp contest ensued ; but 
the whites were again victorious. Two hundred Pe 
quods were killed or made prisoners. The remainder fled 
to the country of the Mohas^ks. The brilliant success of 
the English, in this first and short war with the natives, 
gave the neighboring tribes such an exalted idea of their 
prowess, that, for nearly forty years, they were neither 
altaclied nor molested. 

Ten years had now elapsed since the first settlement 
was made at Salem. It has been computed that, within 
that time, twenty one thousand persons arrived in Massa» 
chusetts. The dissenters in England having obtained the 
ascendency in the government, all motives for emigration 
ceased ; and it is supposed that, for many years after- 
wards, more persons returned to England, than came from 
England to the colonies. 



32 ' MASSACHUSETTS. 

Such, however, were the character and virtues of the 
emigrants ; such the power over difficulties which their 
resolute minds, and bodies hardened by labor, had impart- 
ed to them, that they continued to increase, with astonish- 
ing rapidity, in wealth and numbers. And a vote of the 
house of commons, stating that " the plantations in New- 
England had had good and prosperous success, without any 
public charge to the state," is quoted, by a historian of 
those times, as an honorable testimony of the high merit 
of the colonists. 

Circumstances and events had alrea ly impressed a cha- 
racter upon them, which, though softened in its worst 
features by the progress of refinement, still distinguishes 
their descendants. Persecution made them bigots ; piety 
made them moral ; poverty made them frugal ; incessant 
toil made ttiem hardy and robust ; dreary solitudes made 
them gloomy and superstitious ; their numerous clerajy and 
well educated leaders, made them venerate literature and 
the sciences. 

Four of the New-England colonies, Massachusetts, Con- 
necticut, Plymouth, and New-Haven, apprehending danger 
from the Indians, from the Dutch, at New-York, and from 
the French, at Acndia, formed, in 1643, a firm and perpet- 
ual league, offensive and defensive. By the articles of this 
league, each colony was to appoint two commissioners, 
who were to assemble, by rotation, in the respective colo- 
nies, and were empowered to enact ordinances of general 
concern ; and, in case of invasion, each colony was bound, 
upon the application of three magistrates of the invaded 
colony, to furnish a stipulated proportion of men and 
money. 

Strengthened by this league, the colonies v^ere respect- 
ed by their civilized and savage neighbors. With the 
French, under D'Aulney, Massachusetts had a long and 
troublesome dispute ; which was adjusted, in 1644, by a 
treaty made by governor Endicott, and afterwards ratified 
by the commissioners. 

When representatives were first chosen, they sat and 
voted in the same chamber with the assistants. In 1635, 
when Mr. Hooker applied for permission to form a settle- 
ment on Connecticut river, a majority of the assistants 
voted against granting permission ; but a majority of the 



MASSACHUSETTS. 33 

whole assembly in favor of it. The representatives 
contended that a majority of the assistants was not necessa-^ 
ry, and that the vote had passed in the affirmative. The 
assistants claimed to be a distinct branch of the legislature^, 
and contended that it had passed in the negative. 

No provision having been made for a case of this kind, 
an adjournment, for a week, took place ; a public fast was 
appointed, and the divine direction implored in all the 
congregations. When the assembly again met, a sermon 
was preached, by Mr. Cotton, which induced the repre- 
sentatives to yield to the claim of the assistants. In 1644, 
the dispute was renewed, and the assistants were again 
victorious. The representatives then proposed that the 
two classes should »it apart, and form distinct bodies, and 
in this proposition the assistants concurred. 

The contest between the king and parliament, at length 
resulted in open war ; and the New England colonies, ac- 
tuated by the same feeling as the puritans in England, em- 
braced, with ardor, the cause of the latter. The parlia- 
ment rewarded this attachment, by exempting them from 
all taxes ; and when the supreme authorit}' devolved upon 
Cromwell, as protector of the liberties of England, they 
found in him a friend no less sincere and zealous. 

After the conquest of Ireland, he invited them to return 
and settle in that country ; and, subsequently, having; con- 
quered Jamaica, he endeavored to persuade them to re- 
move to that fertile island, and more ti;pnial climate. But 
his arguments and solicitations were unavailing. They 
enjoyed, in their present abode, complete religious free- 
dom, and that privilege they were unwillinii to hazard in 
pursuit of advantages less essential to their happiness. 

In 1641, the settlements in New- Hampshire were incor 
porated with Massachusetts. And, in !(^5'^2, the inhabitants 
of the province of Maine were, at their own request, ta- 
ken under her protection. This province had been grant- 
ed to Sir Ferdinand Gorges, who, in 16 ^9, tirst established 
a government over it. In 1640, a general court was held 
at Saco. Upon the death of the proprietor, in Ir 49. most 
of the officers whom he had appomted, deserted it, and the 
people found it necessary to resort elsewhere for pro- 
tection. 

In !656j several Q,uakers arrived in the colony. In this 



34 MASSACHUSETTS. 

age of enthusiasts, these sectarians surpassed all others in 
enthusiasm. Their behavior was rude, contemptuous, 
and disorderly. -^They reviled magistrates and ministers, 
and, entering churches on the Sabbath, disturbed the so- 
lemnities of pubhc worship. For these offences they were 
first imprisoned, and then banished. A law was passed 
prohibiting Quakers from coming into the colony, imj^osing 
the penalty of banishment upon the first offence, and of 
death upon such as should return after banishment. Four, 
who were so infatuated as to return and obtrude them- 
*selves upon the notice of the government, suffered the death 
which they appeared to seek. This cruel and impolitic 
law was soon afterwards repealed. 

Cromwell, who had governed England with greater abili- 
ty and hii^her merit than most of her kin^s, died in 1658, 
and after an interval of two years, Charles the sec nd, a 
prince destitute of honor and virtue, was recalled from ex- 
ile and placed upon the throne. He was reluctantly ac- 
knowledged by the colonies of New Englnnd. They had 
been the favorites of the parliament, and the protector, and 
apprehended, with good reason, the loss of their civil and 
religious privileges. 

A short time after, Whalley and Goflfe,twoof the judges 
who had sentenced Charles the first to be beheaded, hav- 
ing fled before the return of his successor, arrived in New 
England. Their first place of residence was Cambridge; 
but they often appeared publicly in Boston, particularly 
on Sundays and other days of r«"ligious solemnities. They 
had sustained high rank in Cromwell's army, were men of 
uncommon talents, and, by their dignified manners and 
grave deportment, commanded universal respect. 

As soon as it was known that they were excepted from 
the general pardon, the governor suggested to the court of 
assistants the expediency of arresting; them. A majority 
opposed it, and many members of the general court gave 
them assurances of protection. Considering themselves, 
however, unsafe at Cambridge, they removed to New Ha- 
ven, where they were received with great respect by the 
clergy and magistrates. 

After a short residence there, enjoying, in private, the 
society of their friends, the governor of Massachusetts re- 
ceived a mandate to arrest them. A warrant was imme° 



MASSACHUSETTS. 36 

diately is-^ued, authorising two zealous royalists to search 
for, and seize them, wherever found, in New-England. 
They hastened to the colony of New-Haven, exhibited the 
warrant to the governor, who resided at Guilford, and re- 
quested him to furnish authority and assistants to pursue 
them. Desirous of favoring the exiles, he affected to de- 
liberate until the next morning, and then utterly declined 
acting officially, without the advice of his council. 

in the mean time, they were apprized of their danger, 
and retired to a new place of concealment. The pursuers, 
on arriving at New-Haven, searched every suspected 
house, except the one where the judges were concealed. 
This they began to search, but were induced, by the ad- 
dress of th< mistress of it, to desist. When the pursuers 
had departed, the judges, retiring into the woods, fixed 
their abode in a cave. 

Having there heard that their friends were threatened 
with punishment, for having afforded them protection, 
they came from their hiding place for the purpose of de- 
livering themselves up ; but their friends, actuated by 
feelings equally noble and generous, persuaded them to re- 
linquish their intention. Soon after, they removed to Mil- 
ford, where they remained about two years. 

Upon the arrival of other persons, instructed to appre- 
hend them, they repaired privately to Hadley, in Massa- 
chusetts, %vhere they resided fifteen or sixteen years, but 
few persons being acquainted with the place of their con- 
cealment. There is, in tl>at neighborhood, a tradition, 
that many years afterwards two graves were discovered 
in the minister's cellar ; and in these, it was supposed, 
they had been interred. At New-Haven, two graves are 
shown, said to be those of the two judges. It is not im" 
probable that their remains were removed to this place 
from Hadley. \ 

A singular incident which occurred at the latter place, 
in 1675, shows that one of these illustrious exiles had not 
forgotten the avocations of his youth. The people, at the 
time of public worship, were alarmed by an attack from 
the Indians, and thrown into the utmost confusion. Sud- 
denly, a grave, elderly person appeared, differing in his 
mien and dress from all around him. He put himself at 
their head, rallied, encouraged, and led them against the 



36 MASSACHUSETTS. 

enemy, who were repulsed and completely defeated. As 
suddenly, the deliverer of Hadley disappeared. The 
people were lost in amazement, and many verily believed 
that an angel sent from heaven had led them to victory. 

Their treatment of the king's judges, and in truth all 
their conduct^ evinced the republican spirit of the colo- 
nists. By the royal government of England, they could 
not, therefore, be regarded with favor. In 1663, it was 
enacted, that no European commodity should be imported 
into the colonies, unless shipped directly from England, 
and in British vessels. By this regulation, in connection 
with others that had been previously made, all the trade 
of the colonies was secured to the mother country. They 
submitted reluctantly to these restrictions, and often made 
them the subject of complaint. But England, believing 
that they augmented her wealth and power, obstinately re- 
fused to repeal them. 

in 1664, the king despatched four commissioners to vis- 
it the several colonies in New-England, to examine into 
their condition, to hear and decide complaints, and to make 
to him a report of their proceedings and observations. 
This measure was dictated by no friendly motive, and was 
considered by the colonies as a violation of their charters. 

The tirst session of the commissioners was at Plymouth. 
\vhere but little business was transacted ; the next in 
Rhode-Island, where they heard complaints from the In- 
dians, and all who were discontented, and made divers de- 
terminations respecting titles <o land, which were but lit- 
tle regarded. In Massachusetts, the general court com- 
plied with such of their requisitions as they thought pro- 
per ; but, professing sincere loyalty to his majesty, de- 
clined acknowledging their authority, and protested against 
the exercise of it within their limits. 

In consequence of this manly assertion of their char- 
tered rights, an angry correspondence took place be- 
tween them, at the close of which the commissioners pet- 
ulantly told the general court, " that they would lose no 
more of their labors upon them," but would represent 
their conduct to his majesty. 

From Boston, the commissioners proceeded to Nevv= 
Hampshire, where they exercised several acts of govern- 
ment, and offered to release the inhabitants from the juris- 



MASSACHUSETTS. 3^7 

diction of Massachusetts. This offer was almost unani- 
mously rejected. In Maine, they excited more disturbanc€o 
They encouraged the people to declare themselves inde- 
pendent, and found many disposed to listen to their jsugges- 
tions ; but Massachusetts, by a prompt and vigorous exer- 
tion of power, constrained the disaffected to submit to her 
authority. 

Connecticut appears to have been the favorite of the 
commissioners. She treated them with respect, and com- 
plied with their requisitions. In return, they made such 
a representation of her merits to the king, as to draw from 
him a letter of thanks. •"Although," says he, "your 
carriage doth of itself most justly deserve our praise and 
approbation, yet it seems to be set off with more luster by 
the contrary behavior of the colony of Massachusetts." 

At the end of fifty years from the arrival of the emi- 
grants at Plymouth, the New-England colonies were sup-= 
posed to contain one hundred and twenty towns, and as 
many thousand inhabitants. The acts of parliament not 
being rigidly enforced, their trade had become extensive 
and profitable. The habits of industry and economy, 
which had been formed in less happy times, continued to 
prevail, and gave a competency to those who had nothing, 
and wealth to those who had a competency. The wilder- 
ness receded before adventurous and hardy laborers, and 
its savage inhabitants found their game dispersed, and their 
favorite haunts invaded. 

This was the natural consequence of the sales of land*, 
which were, at all times, readily made to the whites. But 
this consequence the Indians did not foresee ; and when 
they felt it in all its force^ the strongest passions were 
awakened which can animate civilized or savage man, the 
love of country and of independence. 

A leader only was wanting to concentrate and direct 
their exertions, and Philip, of Pokanoket, sachem of a 
tribe living within the boundaries of Plymouth and Rhode 
Island, assumed that honorable, but dangerous, station. 
His fjither was the friend, but he had ever been the ene- 
my, of the whites ; and this enmity, arising from causes of 
national concern, had been embittered to vindictive hatred 
by their conduct towards his elder brother. This brother, 
being suspected of plotting against them, was seized by^a 

4 



38 MASSACHUSETTS* 

detachment of soldiers, and confined ; and the indignity so 
wrought upon his proud spirit, as to produce a fever that 
put an end to his Hfe. 

PhiUp inherited the authority and proud spirit of his 
brother. He exerted all the arts of intrigue, and powers 
of persuasion, of which he was master, to induce the In- 
dians, in all parts of New- England, to unite their efforts 
for the destruction of the whites. He succeeded in form- 
ing a confederacy, able to send into action between three 
and four thousand warriors. 

The English were apprized of the plots of the Indians, 
and made preparations to meet their hostilities. They 
hoped, however, that the threatened storm would pass by. 
as others had, and that peace would be preserved. But 
the insolence of Philip, and the number of his adherents^ 
increased daily ; and. in June, 1675, some of them enter- 
ed the town of Swanzey, in Plymouth, where, after slaugh- 
tering the cattle, and plundering the houses, they fired 
upon the inhabitants, killing and wounding several. 

The troops of that colony marched immediately to Swan- 
zey, and were soon joined by a detachment from Massa- 
chusetts. The Indians fled, and marked the course of 
their flight by burning the buildings, and fixing on pole?,, 
by the way side, the hands, scalps, and heads of the whites 
whom they had killed. The troops pursued, but unable 
to overtake them, returned to Swanzey. 

The whole country was alarmed, and the number of 
troops augmented. By this array of force, Philip was in- 
duced to quit his residence at Mount Hope, and take post 
near a swamp at Pocasset. At that place, the English at- 
tacked him, but were repulsed. Sixteen were killed, and 
the Indians, by this success, were made bolder. 

At this time, most of the settlements were surrounded 
by thick forests, and the Indians lived intermixed with the 
whites. The former were acquainted, of course, with 
the dwellings of the latter, with their roads, and places of 
resort ; could watch their motions, and fall upon them in 
their defenceless and unguarded moments. Many were 
shot dead as they opened their doors in the morning : 
many while at work in their fields, and others while tra- 
velling to visit their neighbors, or to places of worship. 
At all times, at all places, in all employments, were their 



MASSACHUSETTS. 30 

lives in jeopardy ; and no one could tell but that, in the 
aext moment, he should receive his death shot from his 
barn, the thicket, or the way side. 

Whenever the enemy assembled in force, detachments 
were sent against them ; if weaker than these, they would 
retreat ; if stronger, assault and conquer them. Defence- 
less villages were suddenly attacked, the houses burned, 
and the men, women, and children killed, or carried into 
captivity. Their ruin was the work cf a moment; and 
when accomplished, its authors vanished. 

The colonies, losing individuals, families and villages, 
found their numbers sensibly diminished ; their strength 
impaired; and began to apprehend even ttt^il extinction. 
Nothing but a vigorous effort could save them. The com- 
missioners met, and determined to despatch an army of a 
thousand men, to attack the principal position of the ene- 
my. Josiah Winslow, governor of Plymouth, was appoint- 
ed commander-in-chief ; and a solemn fast, to invoke (he 
divine aid, was proclaimed throughout New-England. 

On the i8th of December, the different bodies of troops 
formed a junction at a place in the country of the Narra- 
gansets, at3out tifleen miles from the enemy. The weather 
was extremely cold, but the men, from necessity, passed 
the night, uncovered, in the tields. At dawn of day, the}' 
began their march, wading through the deep snow, and at 
one o'clock, arrived near the enemy's post, which was 
ypon a rising ground, in the midst of a swamp. It was 
surrounded by palisades, and on the outside of these was 
a fence of brush, a rod in width. 

Here was fought the most desperate battle recorded in 
the early annals of the country. It continued three hours. 
The English obtained a decisive victory. One thousand 
Indian warriors were killed ; three hundred more, and as 
many women and children were made prisoners. But 
dearly was the victory purchased. Six brave captains, and 
eighty men, were killed, and one hundred and fifty were 
wounded. 

From this blow, the confederated Indians never re^,ov- 
ered ; but they still remained sufficiently strong to harass 
the settlements by continual inroads. In retaliation, the 
English sent several detachments into their territories, 
ijenrly gll of which were successfuK Captain Church , oi 



40 MASSACHUSETTS. 

Plymouth, and Captain Dennison, of Connecticut, were 
conspicuous for their bravery and good fortune. 

Jn the midst of these reverses, Philip remained firm and 
unshaken. His warriors were cut off; his chief men, his 
wife and family, were killed or taken prisoners ; and at 
these successive misfortunes, he is represented to have 
wept with a bitterness which proved him to possess the 
noblest of human virtues and affections ; but he disdained 
to listen to any offers of peace. He even shot one of his 
men, who proposed submission. At length, after being 
hunted from swamp to swamp, he was himself shot, by the 
brother of the Indian he had killed. After his death, the 
remnant of hi%follovvers either submitted to the English, 
or united with distant tribes. 

Never was peace more welcome, for never had war 
been more distressing. The whole population was in 
mourning for relatives slain. ^^ early a thousand houses 
had been burned, and goods and cattle of grent value, had 
been plundered or destroyed. Thecolonies had contracted 
a heavy debt, which, their resources having been so much 
diminished, they found an almost insupportable burden. 
But, in their deepest distress, they forebore to apply to the 
mother country for assistance ; and this omission excited sur- 
prise and jealousy. " You act," said a privy counsellor, 
" as though you were independent of our master's crown : 
and though poor, yet you are proud." 

In 1680, New-Hampshire, at the solicitation of John 
Mason, to whose ancestor a part of the territory had been 
granted, was constituted a separate colony. Massachu- 
setts, apprehending the loss of Maine also, purchased of 
the heirs of Gorges, their claim to the soil and jurisdic- 
tion, for twelve hundred and fifty pounds. 

The disregard of the acts of trade had given great of- 
fence to the mother country, and the Governors of New- 
England were peremptorily required to enforce them. 
But being enacted by a parliament in which the colonies 
were not represented, they were regarded as violations of 
their rights, and continued to be evaded with impunity. 
Edward Randolph was therefore sent over, commissioned 
as inspector of the customs in New-England. He was also 
the bearer of a letter from the king, requiring that agents 
should be sent to the court of London, fuUy empowered 
to act for the colonies. 



MASSACHUSETTS, 4) 

\l was well understood to be the intention of the king to 
procure, from the agents, a surrender of the charters, or 
to annul them by a suit in his courts, that he might him- 
self place officers over the colonies, who would be sub- 
servient to his views. The inhabitants of Massachusetts 
felt that to be deprived of their charter, which secured to 
them the right of self-government, would be the greatest 
of calamities ; and their -agents were instructed j in no 
emergency, to surrender it. This being known to the 
king, a prosecution was instituted against the corporation, 
and, in 1684, a subservient court decreed that the charter 
should be cancelled. 

All impediments to the exercise of the royal will being 
thus removed, king James established a temporary govern- 
ment over the colony, first appointing Joseph Dudley, and, 
in 1686, Sir Edmund Andross, governor. This latter ap- 
pointment caused the most gloomy forebodings. Sir Ed- 
mund had been governor of New- York, and it was known 
that his conduct there had been arbitrary and tyrannical. 

Having secured a majority in the council, he assumed 
control over the press, appointing Randolph licenser. He 
established new and oppressive regulations concerning 
taxes, public worship, marriages, and the settlement of es- 
tates. He, and, by his permission, his subordinate officers, 
extorted enormous fees for theirservices. He declared that, 
the charter being cancelled, the old titles to land were of 
no validity, and compelled the inhabitants, in order to avoid 
suits before judges dependent on his will, to take out new 
patents, for which large sums were demanded. 

The hatred of the people was excited in proportion to 
their sufferings. In the beginning of 1 689, a rumor reach* 
ed Boston, that William, prince of Orange, had invaded 
England, with the intention of dethroning the king. An- 
imated by the hope of deliverance, the people rushed 
spontaneously to arms, took possession of the fort, seized 
Andross, Randolph, and other obnoxious persons, and 
placed them in confinement. A council of safety, consist- 
ing of their former magistrates, was then organized, to ad- 
minister the government until authentic intelligence should 
be received from England. 

In a few weeks a ship arrived, bringing the glad tidings 
that William and Mary were firmly seated on the throrue. 

4® 



42 MASSACHUSETTS* 

They were immediately proclaimed, in all the coIom'eSy 
with unusual rejoicingg. The people of Massachusetts 
applied for the restoration of their old. or the grant of a 
new charter. A definite answer was deferred, but the 
council was authorized to administer the government, ac- 
cording to the provisions of the old charter, until further 
directions should be given. Andross, Randolph, and oth- 
ers, were ordered home for trial. 

In this unsettled state of the country, the French in 
Canada and Nova Scotia, instigated the northern and east- 
ern Indians to commence hostilities against the English 
settlements. Dover and Salmon Falls, in New-Hamp- 
shire, Casco, in Maine, and Schenectady, in New- York, 
were attacked by different parties of French and Indians, 
and the most shocking barbarities perpetrated upon the 
inhabitants. 

Regarding Canada as the principal source of their mi- 
series, New-England and New-York formed the bold pro- 
ject of reducing it to subjection. By great exertion, they 
raised an army, \vhich, under the command of General 
Winthrop, was sent against xMontreai, and eq\iippedafleet, 
which, commanded by Sir William Phipps, was destined 
to attack Quebec. 

Both returned unsuccessful, disappointing the sanguine 
hopes of the people, and burdening them with a debt which 
they had not the means of discharging. To pay off her 
troops, Massachusetts put in circulation bills of credit, or 
paper money, an expedient which was afterwards often 
resorted to, and, though it afforded relief at the moment, 
produced, in its consequences, extensive and complicated 
mischief. 

In the mean time, a new charter had been granted to 
Massachusetts, which added Plymouth, Maine, and Nova- 
Scotia, to her territory. The only privilege it allowed to 
the people was, the choice of representatives. These 
were to elect a council, and both bodies were to constitute 
the legislative power. 

It reserved to the king the right of appointing the gov- 
ernor and lieutenant governor. To the governor it gave 
the power of rejecting laws, of negativing the choice of 
counsellors, of appointing all military and judicial officers, 
of adjourning and even of dissolving the assembly at plea- 



MASSACHUSETTS. 43 

sure. Laws, although approved by him, might be abro- 
gated by the king, within three years after their enact- 
ment. 

The king, to render the new charter more acceptable, 
appointed Sir WilHam Phipps, a native of the province, 
governor, and in 1692, he arrived at Boston. The new 
government went into operation without any opposition 
from the inhabitants ; and almost the first act of Sir Wil- 
liam Phipps and his council, was the institution of a court 
to try the unfortunate victims of popular delusion, accused 
of witchcraft, at Salem. 

The belief in this supposed crime, had been so preva- 
lent in England, that parliament had enacted a law punish- 
ing it with death. Under this law, multitude*" had been 
tried and executed in that country, and two or three in 
Massachusetts, some of whom acknowledged they were 
guilty. Accounts of these trials and confessions, and par- 
ticularly of some trials before Sir Matthew Hale, a judge 
revered in the colonies, had been pubhshed and distrib- 
uted throughout the country. They were read, in a time 
■of deep distress and gloom, by a people naturally sedate, 
and accustomed to regard with awe the surprising and un- 
accountable incidents and appearances which, in this new 
world, were often presented to their contem{)lation. 

In February, 1692, a daughter and a niece of Mr. Paris, 
the minister of Salem, were afflicted with disorders affect- 
ing their bodies in the most singular manner. The physi- 
cians, unable to account for their contortions, pronounced 
them bewitched ; and the children, hearing of this, de- 
clared that an Indian woman, who lived in the house, was 
the cause of their torments. Mr. Paris concurred with 
the physicians. Several private fasts were kept at his 
house, and the gloom was increased by a solemn fast 
throughout the colony. 

The Indian woman confessed herself guilty. Thechil- 
dven were visited, noticed, and pitied. This encouraged 
them to persevere, and other children, either from sym- 
pathy or the desire of similar attentions, exhibited similar 
contortions. A distracted old woman, and one who had 
been a longtime confined to her bed, were added to the 
list of the accused ; and, in the progress of the infatuation, 
women of mature age united with the children in their 
accusations. 



44 MASSACHUSETTS. 

The accused were multiplied in propoi lion to the ac- 
cusers. Children accused their parents, and parents their 
children. A word from those who were supposed to be 
afflicted, occasioned the arrest of the devoted victim ; and 
so firmly convinced were the magistrates, that the prince 
of darkness was in the midst of them, using human instru- 
ments to accomplish his purposes, that the slightest testi- 
mony was deemed sufficient to justify a commitment for 
trial. 

The court, specially instituted for this purpose, held a 
session in June, and^ afterwards several others by adjourn- 
ment. Many were tried, and received sentence of death. 
A few pleaded guilty. Several were convicted upon tes- 
timony, which, at other times, would not have induced 
suspicion of an ordinary crime, and some upon testimony 
retracted after conviction. Nineteen were executed, and 
many yet remained to be tried. 

At this stage of the proceedings, the legislature estab- 
lished, by law, a permanent court, by which the other was 
superseded, and fixed a distant day for its first session, at 
Salem. In the mean time, the accusations multiplied, and 
additional jail? were required to hold the accused. The 
impostors, hardened by impunity and success, ascended 
from decrepid old women, to respectable characters, and 
at length, in their ravings, named ministers of the gospel, 
and even the vvife of the governor. 

The community were thrown into consternation. Each 
felt alarm for himself, his family, and his friends. The 
shock roused them to reflection. They considered more 
closely the character of the accusers ; the nature of the 
alleged crime ; the testimony, often contradictory and 
never explicit ; and more than all these, the high standing; 
of some who were implicated ; and began to doubt wheth- 
er they had not been too credulous and precipitate. 

At the next term, the grand jury found indictments 
against fifty ; but, on trial, all were acquitted except three, 
and them the governor reprieved. He also directed that 
all who were in prison should be set at liberty. A belief, 
however, of the truth of the charges, still lingered among 
the people, and prevented any prosecution of the impos- 
tors. That all were impostors, cannot be believed. Many 
must have acted under the influence of a disordered ima- 



MASSACHUSETTS. 45 

gination, which the attendant circumstances were well 
calculated to produce. 

Besides establishing courts of justice, the legislature, at 
its first session under the new charter, passed a law which 
indicates the same independent spirit that afterwards re~ 
sisted the usurpations of the British parliament. It pro- 
vided that no tax should be imposed upon any of his ma- 
jesty's subjects, or their estates, in the province, but by 
the act and consent of the governor, council, and repre- 
sentatives of the people, in general court assembled. It 
is almost superfluous to say, that this law was disallowed 
by the king 

The war with the French and Indians, which began in 
1690, was not yet terminated. For seven years were the 
frontier settlements harassed by the savages ; and the Enghsh 
employed in expeditions against them. A history of these 
would consist only of repeated accounts of Indian cunning 
and barbarity, and of English enterprise and fortitude. 
Peace between Enii,land and France, which took place in 
1697, was soon followed by peace with the savages. 

But in a few years, war again broke out in Europe, which 
was the signal for hostilities in America. The first blow 
fell upon Deerfield. In February, 1704, it was surprised 
in the night, about forty persons were killed, and more 
than one hundred made prisoners, among vvhom were Mr. 
Williams, the minister, and his family. The killed were 
scalped, and the prisoners commanded to prepare for a 
long march to Canada. 

On the second day, Mrs. Williams was so exhausted with 
fatigue that she could go no farther. Her husband solicit- 
ed permission to remain with her ; but the retreatinj^ sa- 
vages, according to their custom in such cases, killed her 
and compelled him to proceed. Before the termination 
of their journey, twenty more became unable to walk, and 
were m like manner sacrificed. Those who survived the 
journey to Canada were treated by the French with hu- 
manity ; and after a captivity of many years, most of theox 
were redeemed, and returned to their friends. 

New- York having agreed with the French and the western 
Indians to remain neutral, these were enabled to pour their 
whole force upon Massachusetts and New Hampshire, the 
inhabitants of which, for tea years, endured miseries pecu- 



46 MASSACHUSETTS. 

liar lo an Indian war, and more distressing than their de- 
scendants can well imagine. The enemy were at all times 
prowling about the frontier settlements, watching in con- 
cealment for an opportunity to strike a sudden blow and fly 
with safety. The women and children retired into the 
garrisons ; the men left their fields uncultivated, or Tabored 
with arms at their sides, and with sentinels at every point 
whence an attack could be apprehended. 

Yet notwithstanding these precautions, the enemy were 
often successful, killing sometimes an individual only, some- 
times a whole fimily, sometimes a band of laborers, ten or 
twelve in number ; and so swift were they in their move- 
ments, that but few fell into the hands of the whites. It 
was computed, that the sum of one thousand pounds were 
expended for every Indian killed or made captive. 

In 1707, Massachusetts, New-Hampshire, and Rhode 
Island despatched an armament against Port Royal, in No- 
va-Scotia, which was then in possession of the French. It 
returned without accomplishing its object. In 1710 New- 
England, assisted by a fleet furnished by the mother coun- 
try, succeeded in reducing the place ; and its name, in com- 
pliment to queen Anne, was changed to Annapolis. 

The success of this enterprise encouraged the comman- 
der, general Nicholson, to visit England and propose an 
expedition against Canada. His proposition was adopted, 
and in June, 1711, admiral Walker, with a fleet of fifteen 
ships of war and forty transports, bringing an army of ve- 
teran troops, arrived at Bosion. Taking on board two ad- 
ditional regiments, he sailed from that port about the last 
of July. At the same time, general Nicholson repaired to 
Albany to take command of the troops that were to proceed 
by land. 

When the fleet had advanced ten leagues up the river 
St. Lawrence, the weather became tempestuous and foggy. 
A difference of opinion arose concerning the course to be 
pursued, the English pilots recommending one course, and 
the colonial another. The admiral, entertaining, like all 
other English officers, an opinion of the abilities of the co- 
lonists corresponding with their dependent condition, adopt- 
ed the advice of his own pilots. Pursuing the course they 
recommended, nine transports were driven, about midnight, 
upon the rocks and dashed to pieces* 



MASSACHUSETTS^ 47 

From every quarter cries of distress arose, conveying, 
through the darkness, to those who were yet afloat, intel- 
ligence of the fate of their comrades and of their own dan- 
ger. The shrieks of the drowning pleaded powerfully for 
assistance, but none could be afforded until the morning 
dawned, when six or seven hundred, found floating on the 
scattered wrecks, were rescued from death, more than a 
thousand having sunk to rise no more. Mot a single Ameri- 
can was lost. 

Weakened by this terrible disaster, the admiral deter- 
mined to return to England, where he arrived in the month 
of October. Thither misfortune attended him. On the 
fifteenth, his ship blew up and four hundred seamen pe- 
rished. The New-England troops returned to their homes, 
and Nicholson, having learned the fate of the fleet, led back 
his troops to Albany. The next year the colonies found 
no repose. In 1713, France and England marie peace at 
Utrecht, and, in the same year, peace was concluded with 
the Indians. 

Such was the destruction of lives in this war, that the 
population of New-England was sensibly retarded. Her 
expenses were also enormous. Although the annual taxes 
paid by the inhabitants, were greater than in any other por- 
tion of the British empire, yet the colonies most exposed, 
were burdened, at the close of the war, with a heavy debt, 
in the shape of bills of credit, or paper money, which im- 
peded their prosperity, perplexing individuals and the go- 
vernment in all their transaction?; 

In 1716, Samuel Shute, a colonel in the army of the ce- 
lebrated duke of Marlborough, was appointed governor. 
On his arrival in the province, he found ihe people divided 
into two parties, one in favor of a public bank, which had 
just been established, the other of the incorporation of a 
private bank. He joined the former, the latter of course 
became hostile ; and, led by a idr. Cooke, opposed with 
virulence all his measures. 

In 1720, this party, embracing a majority of the repre- 
sentatives, elected their leader speaker. The choice was 
communicated to the governor, who interposed his negative. 
The house persisted in their choice, denying his right to 
interfere. The controversy continued several days, when 
the governor dissolved the assembly, and directed that a 
new election should be made by the people. 



48 MASSACHUSETTS. 

The charter not giving, in express terms, to the govern- 
or, the power to reject a speaker, the people resolved to 
support their representatives, and nearly all of them were 
again elected. When met, to avoid a second dissolution, 
they chose a Mr. Lindall speaker ; but in a warm remon- 
strance to the governor, condemned his conduct, and re- 
asserted their sole and exclusive right to choose their pre- 
siding officer. 

The session was short, and but little was done that did 
oot display the angry feelings of the house. Instead of 
six hundred pounds, the usual grant to the governor for 
half a year's salary, they appropriated but five hundred, and, 
as a mark of their displeasure, deferred that act until near 
the close of the session. 

At their next meeting, the same feelings prevailed and 
the same diminished sum was voted. The governor then 
informed them, that he had been instructed by the king to 
recommend to the assembly, to establish for him a perma- 
nent and honorable salary. The house, aware of the im- 
portance of retaining the power of granting such sums as 
the governor might merit by bis conduct, replied, that the 
subject was new, and expressed a wish that the court might 
rise. With this request the governor complied. 

This disagreement continued, the ill temper of both par- 
ties increasing, through several subsequent sessions. The 
representatives, confident of the support of the people, 
refused to establish a permanent salary for the governor, 
and often withheld the pittance they gave, until he had 
sanctioned those measures which they desired should be 
adopted. 

His residence in the province being rendered, by this 
dispute, unpleasant, he suddenly and privately quitted i-t, 
in December, 1722. Upon his arrival in Enghind, he ex- 
hibited charges against the house, of having made various 
encroachments upon tlie king's prerogative, which the 
agents of the province were instructed to answer and repel. 

He remained in England until 1728, when he resigned 
his office, and William Burnet, then governor of New-York, 
was appointed his successor. In his first speech, he inform- 
ed the house that he had received positive instructions from 
the king to insist on a permanent salary. The representa- 
tives generous of their money but tenacious of their rights, 



MASSACHUSETTS. 49 

priated three hundred pounds for the expenses of his jour- 
ney, and fourteen hundred pounds towards his support, not 
specifying for what time. The first sum he accepted ; but 
absolutely declined receiving any compensation for his ser- 
vices, except in the mode of a fixed salary. 

The delegates were equally decided ; and having trans- 
acted all their necessary business, requested the gover- 
nor, by message, to adjourn them. He replied that be 
could not comply with their request, as, if he did, he should 
put it out of their power to pay immediate regard to the 
king's instructions. A few days afterwards, the request was 
again made and again denied. 

Messages, containing arguments and replies, were often 
interchanged by the parties. After two months had been 
consumed in the controversy, the governor, imagining the 
members were influenced by the citizens of Boston, trans- 
ferred the general court to Salem, They were detained 
there two months ; were then allowed to return to their 
homes; were again assembled after a short recess^ and 
having sat seventeen days, were again adjourned without 
exhibiting any symptoms of compliance. 

A new assembly was elected, and held several sessions in 
the summer of 1729, displaying the same spirit as the 
former. In the mean time, information was transmitted 
from England, that the king approved the conduct of the 
governor, and condemned that of the house. Still the 
members continued inflexible. In August, they were re- 
moved to Cambridge, which served to exasperate rather 
than to convince them. Here, however, the controversy 
was suspended, for a time, by the death of the governor, 
which was supposed to have been hastened by his unsuc- 
cessful contest with the house of representatives. 

His successor was Mr. Belcher, then agent in Eng- 
land. As he belonged to the popular party, his appoint- 
ment gave rise to the expectation, that the instruction, to 
obtain a permanent salary, was withdrawn. But from his 
first speech it appeared, that it was not only left unrescind- 
ed, but enforced by a threat of punishment in case of re- 
fusal. 

The house, unintimidated by the threat, refused. The 
governor, during the two first years of his administration, 
made several attempts to induce them to comply. Allfail= 

5 



50 BIASSACHUSETTS, 

ing, he endeavored to obtain a relaxation of his instrtic^ 
tions. Permission was at length granted that hf» might re 
ceive a particular sum which was voted, and a similar per- 
mission was afterwards annually? given. Thus ended a con- 
test which prepared the people of Massachusetts to embark 
in an other in which more important rights were to be de- 
fended. 

These turbulent times were succeeded by a calm which 
continued several years ; during which, however, the ene- 
mies of governor Belcher, by incessant misrepresentation, 
deprived him of the favor of the ministry in England. In 
1740, he was removed from office, and Mr. William Shir- 
ley appointed in his place. 

In 1744, war again broke out between England and 
France, and the colonies were involved in its calamities. 
Their commerce and fisheries suffered great injury from 
privateers, fitted out at Louisburg, a French port, on 
cape Breton. Its situation gave it such importance, that 
nearly six millions of dollars had been expended on it& 
fortifications. 

Mr. Vaughan of New-Hampshire, who had often visited 
that place as a trader, conceived the project of an expedi- 
tion against it. He communicated it to governor Shirley,, 
and, being ardent and enthusiastic, convinced him that the 
enterprise was practicable, and inspired him with his owb 
enthusiasm. 

Having exacted of the general court an oath of secrecy , the 
governor, in January, 1745, communicated to them the pro- 
ject. Many heard it with amazement. So strong was the 
place, and so weak comparatively were the colonies, that 
the thought of attacking it seemed rash and presumptuous. 
From respect to him, however, his proposal was referred to 
a committee ; they reported against it, the house accepted 
the report, and the members dismissed from their mind? 
all thoughts of the expedition. 

During the secret deliberations, the people watched 
with anxiety to ascertain their object. The disclosure was 
made by an honest member, who incautiously, in his family- 
devotions, prayed for the divine blessing on the attempt^ 
should it be made. The people were instantly struck with 
the advantage of possessing the place. When the decision 
was made known, a petition, signed by a large number oi 



MASSACHUSETTS. 51 

merchants, was presented to the general court, praying 
thetn to comply with the governor's proposal. The sub- 
ject was again discussed, and a vote in favor of the expedi- 
tion was passed by a majority of one. 

The question was now decided, and all who were before 
averse to the enterprise, united heartily with its supporters 
to carry it into execution. The other New-England colo- 
nies were sohcited, and agreed to furnish assistance ; and a 
boat was despatched to commodore Warren, in the West 
Indies, to invite his co-operation. Colonel Pepperell was 
appointed commander in chief, and Roger Wolcott, oi 
Connecticut, second in command. 

In two months, an army of more than four thousand men 
was enlisted, clothed, victualled, and equipped for service, ia 
the four New-England colonies, which did not then con- 
tain four hundred thousand inhabitants. On the 23d of 
March, the despatch boat returned from the West Indies^ 
with advice that commodore Warren declined furnishing 
aid. This intelligence was kept secret. The troops of 
Massachusetts embarked, as though nothing discouraging 
had happened, and about the middle of April, they, as well 
as those sent by Connecticut and New-Hampshire, arrived 
safe at Canso. 

Commodore Warren had but just despatched his answer, 
when he received orders to repair to Boston with such 
ships as rould be spared, and concert measures with go- 
vernor Shirley for his majesty's service in North America. 
He sailed instantly, but learning, in his course, that the 
transports had left Boston for Canso, he steered directly 
for that place, where he arrived on the 23d of April. He 
added much to their naval strength, and much to that con- 
fidence, which, by promising, ensures victory. 

Several vessels of war, which had been sent to cruise 
before Louisburg, had captured a number of French ships, 
and prevented any intelligence of the expedition from 
reaching the enemy. These vessels were daily within sight 
of the place, but were supposed to be privateers, and caused 
no alarm. The appearance of the fleet, on the 30th of 
April, gave the French the first intimation of their danger. 

The troops immediately landed, and the next day a de- 
tachment of four hundred, marching round the hills, ap- 
|*r<oached within a mile of the grand battery, setting fire to 



52 MASSACHUSETTS* 

all the houses and stores on the way. Many of these con- 
tained pitch and tar, which produced a thick smoke, that 
completely enveloped the invaders. 

The fears of the French were increased by their uncer- 
tainty. They imagined the whole army was coming upon 
them, and, throwing their powder into a well, deserted the 
battery, of which the New-England troops took possession 
without loss. 

This was uncommon good fortune ; but the most diffi- 
cult labors of the siege remained to be performed. The 
cannon were to be drawn nearly two miles, over a deep 
morass, in plain view, and within gun shot, of the enemy's 
principal fortifications. For fourteen nights, the troops- 
with straps over their shoulders, and sinking to their knees 
in mud, were employed in this service. 

The approaches were then begun in the mode which 
seemed most proper to the shrewd understandings of un- 
taught militia. Those officers, who were skilled in the art 
of war, talked o( zig zags and epaulements ; but the troops 
made themselves merry with the terms, and proceeded in 
their own way. By the 20th of May, they had erected 
five batteries, one of which mounted five forty-two pound- 
ers, and did great execution. 

Meanwhile the fleet, cruising in the harbor, had been 
equally successful. It captured a French ship of sixty-four 
guns, loaded with stores for the garrison, to whom the loss 
was as distressing, as to the besiegers the capture was for- 
tunate. English ships of war were, besides, continually 
arriving, and added such strength to the fleet that a com- 
bined attack upon the town was resolved upon. 

The enemy, discovering this design, deemed it unwise 
to abide the hazard of an assault. On the 16th of June, the 
French commander proposed a cessation of hostilities, and. 
on the 17th, capitulated. 

Intelligence of this event, flying swiftly through the colo- 
nies, difi'used great and universal joy. And well might the 
citizens of New-England be elated with the glad tidings. 
Without even a suggestion from the mother country, they 
had projected, and, wih but little assistance, had achieved, 
an enterprise of vast importance to her and to them. Their 
commerce and fisheries were now secure, and their mari- 
time cities relieved from all fear of attack from that quarter. 



MASSACHUSETTS. 63 

France, fired with resentment at her loss, made extra- 
ordinary exertions to retrieve it, and to inflict chastisement 
on New-England. The next summer, she despatched to 
the American coast a powerful fleet, carrying a large num- 
ber of soldiers. The news of its approach spread terror 
throughout New-England ; but an uncommon succession of 
disasters, which the pious of that time attributed to the spe- 
cial interposition of Providence, deprived it of all power 
to inflict injury. After remaining a short time on the coast, 
it returned to France, having lost two admirals, both of 
whom, it was supposed, put an end to their lives through 
chagrin ; having also, by tempests, been reduced to one 
half its force, and efi'ected nothing. 

In 1748, peace was concluded, each party restoring all 
its prisoners and conquests ; a striking, but not uncommon, 
illustration of the folly of war. Louisburg, though con- 
quered by the colonies, was exchanged, by Great Britain^ 
for territories which she had lost in Europe. New-Eng- 
land murmured at this injustice ; but what avail the mur- 
murs of the weak ? 

From this period to the commencement of the next French 
war, but few important events occurred in Massachusetts. 
The bills of credit, which the colony had issued to defray 
its enormous expenditure, were redeemed by the govern- 
ment, at their depreciated value. This example was fol- 
lowed, though tardily, by the other governments. At the 
time of their redemption, they were worth no more, in 
some colonies, than one tenth, and in others, one twenti- 
eth, of the sum for which they had been issued. 



,5* 



CHAPTER III, 
NEW-HAMPSHIRE. 



With the history of Massachusetts, the parent of the 
New-England colonies, that of New- Hampshire has been 
necessarily blended. A brief relation of some detached 
events, which occurred in the latter colony, will now be 
given. 

John Mason, Ferdinand Gorges, and others, having ob- 
tained, of the Plymouth or New-England company, grants 
of several tracts of land, lying north of Massachusetts, sent 
from England, in 1623, a few persons to begin a settlement. 
Part landed, and, for a short time, remained at Little Har- 
bor, on the westside of Piscataqua river, and near its mouth. 
Here the first house was built, which was called Mason 
Hall. The remainder, proceeding higher up the river, 
settled at Cocheco, afterwards called Dover. 

Fishing and trade being the principal objects of these 
emigrants, their settlements increased slowly. In 1629, 
the territory situated between Merrimac and Piscataqua 
rivers, and extending sixty miles from the sea, was granted 
to Mason alone, and then first called New-Hampshire. In 
1631, the first house was built at Portsmouth. In 1638, 
the Reverend John Wheelwright, who, in 1629, but pre- 
vious to the date of Mason's patent, had purchased the land 
of the Indians, laid the foundation of Exeter. The next 
year, thirty-five persons, residing in that town, combined 
and established civil government. Within a year or two 
afterwards, the inhabitants of Dover and 'Portsmouth fol- 
lowed their example, each town remaining distinct and in- 
dependent. 

In 1641, these little republics, distrusting their ability to 
protect themselves, formed a coalition with Massachusetts., 
and long remained a part of that colony. The civil wars 
in England diverted the attention of Mason from his grant, 
and those who migrated to the country purchased of Wheel- 



i>6 NEW-HAMPSHIRE. 

Wright, the lands which they occupied. In the war with 
PhiUp, the settlements on Piscataqua and Oyster rivers^ 
were attacked by the Indians, and suffered severely. 

In 1676, Robert Mason, grandson and heir of John Ma- 
son, applied to the king to obtain possession of the territo- 
ry and rights which had been granted to his ancestor. No- 
tice of this application was given to Massachusetts, and the 
parties were heard before the king in council. In 1679, 
a decree was passed, that New-Hampshire should be con- 
stituted a separate province, to be ruled by a president and 
council, who were to be appointed by the king, and a house 
of representatives to be chosen by the people. No de- 
cision was made affecting the titles to land. 

The first assembly, consisting of eleven members, rtiet, 
in 1680, at Portsmouth. At this session, a code of laws 
was adopted, of which the first, in a style worthy of free- 
men, declared, "that no act, imposition, law, or ordinance, 
should be imposed upon the inhabitants of the province, 
but such as should be made by the assembly, and approved 
by the president and council." This was twelve years pre- 
vious to the enactment of a similar law in Massachusetts. 

In the same year, Mason, who had been appointed a mem- 
ber of the council, arrived in the colony. He assumed the 
title of lord proprietor, claimed the soil as his property, 
and threatened to prosecute all who would not take from 
him leases of the lands they occupied. His pretensions 
were resisted by most of the inhabitants, who claimed the 
fee-simple of the soil by a more righteous, if not more le- 
gal title. 

The peace of the colony was long disturbed by these 
conflicting claims. At the head of those who contended 
with Mason, stood Major Waldron, of Dover. Against him, 
and many others, suits were instituted. No defence was 
made, judgments were obtained, but so general was the 
hostility to Mason, that he never dared to enforce them. 

Over Massaclrusetts and New-Hampshire, the same gov- 
ernor usually presided. After Andross was deposed, the 
inhabitants of the latter colony desired to be incorporated 
with their former brethren. Their request was opposed 
by Samuel Allen, who had purchased Mason's title, and was 
refused. Allen was made governor of the colony, and, by 
his influence, John Usher, his son-in-law, was appointed 
lieutenant governor. Under his administration, the disputes. 



NEW-HAMPSHIRE. 57 

occasioned by adverse claims to land, continued to rage with 
increased violence. Other suits were instituted, and judg- 
ments obtained ; but the sherifT was forcibly resisted, by a 
powerful combination, whenever he attempted to put the 
plaintiff in possession. 

From Indian wars this colony suffered more than 
any of her sisters. The surprise of Dover, in 1689, was 
attended by circumstances of the most shocking barbarity. 
That the" natives had been cruelly injured by major Wal- 
dron, the principal citizen, may account for, if not extenu- 
ate, their ferocity in obtaining revenge. 

Having determined upon their plan of attack, they em- 
ployed more than their usual art, to lull the suspicions of 
the inhabitants. So civil and respectful was their behavior, 
that they often obtained permission to sleep in the fortified 
houses in the town. On the evening of the fatal night, they 
assembled in the neighborhood, and sent their women t© 
apply for lodgings, at the houses devoted to destruction • 
who were not only admitted, but were shown how they 
could open the doors should they have occasion to go out 
in the night. 

When all was quiet, the doors were opened and the sig- 
nal given. The Indians rushed into Waldron's house, and 
hastened to his apartment. Awakened by the noise, he 
seized his sword and drove them back, but when return- 
ing for his other arms, was stunned with a hatchet, and fell. 
They then dragged him into his hall, seated him in an el- 
bow chair, upon a long table, and insultingly asked him, 
"who shall judge Indians now ?" 

Aftor feasting upon provisions, which they compelled 
the rest of the family to procure, each one, with his knife, 
cut gashes across his breast, saying, "I cross out my ac- 
count." When, weakened with the loss of blood, he was 
about to fall from the table, his own sword was held under 
him, which put an end tD his misery. 

At other houses, similar acts of cruelty were perpe- 
trated. In the whole, twenty-three persons were killed, 
twenty-nine carried prisoners to Canada, and mostly sold 
to the French. Remembering kindness as well as injury, 
they spared one woman, who, thirteen years before, had 
conferred a favor on one of the party. Many houses were 
burned, much property was plundered 5 and so expeditious 



58 KEW-HAMPSHIRE. 

were the Indians, that they had fled beyond reach before 
the neighboring people could be collected. 

The war thus commenced was prosecuted with great 
vigor. The French, by giving premiums for scalps, and 
by purchasing the English prisoners, animated the Indians 
to exert all their activity and address, and the frontier in- 
habitants endured the most aij;gravated sufferings. The set- 
tlements on Oyster river were again surprised ; twenty 
houses were burned, and nearly one hundred persons were 
killed or made prisoners. Other towns were attacked, 
many f)ersons !*lain, and many carried into captivity. The 
peace of Kyswick, in 1697, closed the distressing scene. 
In 1703, an other war began, which continued ten years. 

In 1719, above one hundred families, mostly Presbyte- 
rians, emigrated from the north of Ireland, and settled the 
town of Londonderry. They introduced the foot spinning 
wheel, the manufacture of linen, and the culture of pota- 
tos. They were industrious, hardy, and useful citizens^ 

From 1722, to 1726, the inhabitants again sufl*ered the 
afflictions of an Indian war. Following the example of the 
French, the government offered premiums for scalps, 
which induced several volunteer companies to undertake 
expeditions against the enemy. One of these, commanded 
by captain Lovewell, was greatly distinguished, at first by 
its successes, and afterwards by its misfortunes. 

Long after the transfer from Mason to Allen, some de- 
fect in the conveyance was discovered, v, bich rendered it 
void. In 1746, John Tufton Mason, a descendant of the 
original grantee, claiming the lanrls possessed by his ances- 
tors, conveyed them, for fifteen hundred pounds, to twelve 
persons, subsequently called the Masonian proprietors. 
They, to silence opposition, voluntarily relinquished their 
claim to the lands already occupied by others. 

They also granted townships on the most liberal terms. 
Reserving certain portions of the land for themselves, for 
the first settled ministers, and for schools, they required 
merely that the grantees should, within a limited time, erect 
mills and meeting houses, clear out roads, and settle minis- 
ters of the gospel. In process of time, nearly all the Ma- 
sonian lands, being about one fourth of the whole, were, in 
this manner, granted ; and contention and law suits ceased 
to disturb the repose, and to impede the prosperity of the 
coIony^. 



CHAPTER IV. 
CONNECTICUT. 



In 1631, Viscount Say and Seal, Lord Brook, and others, 
obtained from the Plymouth Company, in Englagd, a grant 
of the territory which now constitutes the state of Connec- 
ticut ; and so little was then known of the geography of 
the new world, that the grant was made to extend, in longi- 
tude, from the Atlantic Ocean to the South Sea. In the 
same year, the Indians, living on Connecticut river, having 
invited the colony of Plymouth to make a settlement on 
their. lands, governor Winslow, and others, visited the 
country, and selected a place near the month of the little 
river in Windsor, for the erection of a trading house. 

The Dutch at New-York, apprized of this project of the 
English, and determined to anticipate them, immediately 
despatched a party, who erected a fort at Hartford. In 
September, 1633, a company from Plymouth, having prC' 
pared the frame of a house, put it on board a vessel, and, 
passing the fort, conveyed it to the place previously se- 
lected. In October, they raised, covered, and fortified 
it with palisades. The Dutch, consideringthem intruders, 
sent, the next year, a band of seventy men to drive them 
from the country, but finding them strongly posted, they 
relinquished the design. 

In the autumn of 1635, many of the inhabitants of Dor- 
chester and Watertovvn, in Massachusetts, having heard of 
the fertile meadows on Connecticut river, removed thither, 
and began settlements at Weathersfield and Windsor. Du- 
ring the next winter, their sufferings from famine were ex- 
treme. So destitute were they of provisions, that many, 
in dread of starvation, returned, in December, to Massa- 
chusetts. In their journey through the dreary wilderness, 
at this inclement season, they encountered indescribable 
hardships-. 



60 CONNECTICUT. 

In the same autumn, Mr. Winthrop arrived from Eng» 
land, with instructions from the patentees to erect a fort 
at the mouth of the river, and make the requisite prepa= 
ration for planting a colony. The fort was but just com- 
pleted when a party, sent for the same purpose, by the 
Dutch, at New-York, arrived in a vessel, but were not 
permitted to land. 

The next spring, those who had been compelled by 
famine to revisit Massachusetts, returned to Connecticut. 
In June, the Reverend Mr. Hooker, of Cambridge, and 
about one hundred men, women, and children, belonging 
to his coBgregation, travelling through the wilderness, laid 
the foundation of Hartford. They were nearly two weeks 
on their journey ; they drove their cattle with them, and 
subsisted, by the way, upon the milk of their cows. 

In 1637, all the settlements in New-England were in- 
volved in hostilities with the Pequods, a tribe of Indians 
inhabiting New-London and the country around it. Some 
account of this war has been given in the history of Mas- 
sachusetts. Previous to any expedition against them, they 
had killed many of the emigrants to Connecticut, had cap- 
tured others, and tortured them to death. In the short 
war which followed, their surviving brethren, for bravery 
in battle and fortitude in suffering, were not surpassed by 
any portion of the English troops. 

At first, the emigrants acknowledged the authority of 
Massachusetts. In January, 1639, the freemen, having 
convened at Hartford, adopted a constitution for them- 
selves. They ordained ihat two general courts, or as- 
semblies, should be held annually, one in April, the other 
in September ; that at the court held in April, styled the 
court of election, the freemen should choose a governor, 
six magistrates, and all the public officers ; that to the 
other, the several towns should send deputies, who, in 
conjunction with the governor and magistrates, were au- 
thorized to enact laws, and perform all necessary public 
services. No general court could be adjourned or dis- 
solved, without the consent of a major part of the mem- 
bers. 

In the same year, George Fenwick, one of the patentees, 
came over with his family, and settled at the mouth of 
the river. In honor of Lord Say and Seal, and Lord Brook, 



CONNECTlCtJI?. 6) 

lie called the place Saybrook. Others afterwapds joined 
feim ; and for several years, they were governed by their 
©wn magistrates and laws. In 1644, Mr. Fenwick, for 
seven thousand dollars, assigned to the general court of 
Connecticut, the fort at Saybrook, and all the rights confer- 
red by the patent from the Plymouth company in Enjiland, 
This settlement then became a part of the colony. T he claim 
ef Plymouth colony, founded upon their having first made an 
establishment at Windsor, had been previously purchased. 

In the mean time, an other colony had been planted 
within the limits of the Connecticut patent. In June, 
1637, two large ships arrived at Boston, from England, 
having on board Mr. Davenport, Mr. Eaton, and many 
others, whom pious motives had impelled to emigrate to 
New-England. Being highly respectable, and some of 
them possessing great wealth, the genend court of Massa= 
chusetts, desirous of detaining them in the colony, offered 
them any place they might select for a plantation. 

Wishing, however, to institute a civil and religious com- 
munity, conforming in all things to their peculiar princi- 
ples, they removed, the next year, to Q,uinnipiac, which 
they called New-Haven. Soon after their arrival, at the 
close of a day of fasting and prayer, they subscribed what 
they termed a plantation covenant, solemnly binding them^ 
selves, " until otherwise ordered, to h6 governed in all 
things, of a civil as well as religious concern, by the rules 
which the scripture held forth to them." They purchased 
of the natives, large tracts of land ; and laid out their town 
in squares, designing it for a great and elegant city. 

In 1639, all the free planters, assembled in a large barn, 
proceeded to lay the foundation of their civil and religious 
polity. They resolved that none but church members 
should be allowed the privilege of voting, or be elected to 
office ; that all the freemen should annually assemble and 
elect the officers of the colony ; and that the word of God 
should be the only rule for ordering the affairs of the com- 
monwealth. Such was the original constitution of New- 
Haven ; but as the population increased, and new towns 
were settled, different regulations were adopted, and the 
institutions and laws became gradually assimilated to those 
of Connecticut. 

With the Dutch at New-York, both colonies had con- 

6 



6t CONNECTICtft. 

stant and vexatious disputes. The former claimed all the- 
territor}' as far east as Connecticut river ; the latter com^ 
plained that the Dutch often plundered their property ; 
that they sold guns and ammunition to the Indians, and 
even encouraged them to make war upon the English, 
The f ar of attack from that quarter, was one of the 
reasons which, in 1643, induced the colonies of New-Eng- 
land to form a confederation for their mutual defence. 

In 1650, a treaty of amity and partition w;>s concluded 
at Hartford, between the English and Dutch, the latter re- 
linquishing their claim to the territory of Connecticut, ex- 
cept the lands which they actually occupied. Soon after^ 
England and Holland were involved in war with each 
other, but their colonies in America agreed to remain at 
peace. Notwithstanding this agreement, the Dutch gov- 
ernor was detected in concerting with the Indians a plot 
for the total extirpation of the English. 

Connecticut and New-Haven were alarmed ; a meeting 
of the commissioners of the united colonies, was called,, 
and evidence of the plot laid before them. A majority 
was in favor of war ; but the colony of Massachusetts, be- 
ing remote from the danger, was averse to it. As she was 
much stronger than either of the others, it was, at the 
suggestion of her deputies, resolved, that agents should 
first be sent to demand of the Dutch governor an explana- 
tion of his conduct. 

The agents obtained no satisfactory explanation. On 
their return, an other meeting of the commissioners was 
held at Boston, additional testimony was laid before them, 
and several ministers of Massachusetts were invited to as- 
sist at their deliberations, a practice not unusual at that pe- 
riod. 

The opinion of these ministers being requested, they ob; 
served, "that the proofs of the execrable plot, tending to 
the destruction of the dear saints of God, were of such 
weight as to induce them to believe the reality of it ; yet 
they were not so fully conclusive as to bear up their hearts 
with the fulness of persuasion which was meet in commend- 
ing the case to God in prayer, and to the people in exhorta- 
atious ; and that it would be safest for the colonies to for- 
1i)ear the use of the sword." 

But all the commissioners, except one, were of opinioR 



CONNECTICUT. 63 

€liat recent aggressions justified, and self preservation dic- 
tated, an appeal to the sword. They were about to declare 
war, when the general court of Massachusetts, in direct 
violation of one of the articles of the confederation, re- 
solved, *'that no determination of the commissioners, 
though all should agree, should bind the colony to engage 
in hostilities." 

At this declaration, Connecticut and New-Haven felt 
alarmed and tndignant. They considered the other colo- 
nies too weak, witho.ui the assistance of Massachusetts, to 
contend with the Dutch and their Indian allies. They ar- 
gued, entreated, and remonstrated, but she continued in- 
flexible. They then represented their danger to Crom- 
well, and implored his assistance. He, with his usual 
promptitude, sent a fleet for their protection, and for the 
conquest of their enemies ; but peace in Europe, intelli- 
gence oi which reached New- England soon after the ar- 
rival of the fleet, saved the Dutch from subjugation, and 
relieved the colonies from the dread of massacre. 

After Charles the second was restored to the throne, 
Connecticut applied to him for a royal charter. A trifling 
circumstance induced him, forgetting all his arbitrary max- 
ims, to comply with ter wishes to their utmost extent. Her 
agent, Mr. Winthrop, having an extraordinary rinj:, which 
had been given to his grandfather by Charles the first, pre- 
sented it to his son. He immediately granted a charters 
more liberal in its provisions tnan any that had yet been 
granted, and confirming, in every particular, the constitu- 
tion which the people had themselves adopted. 

This charter comprehended New- Haven ; but, for sev- 
eral years, the people of that colony utterly refused to 
consent to the union. In this opposition to the commands 
^of the kinji;, and the remon»'trances of Connecticut, they 
persevered until IH65, when the apprehension of the ap- 
pointment of a general governor, and of their being united 
%vith some other colonj^ having a charter less favorable to 
liberty, impelled them, though reluctantly, to yield. 

In the war with Philip, which began in 16 5, Connecti- 
cut suffered less than her sister colonies. Her aid, how- 
ever, in full proportion to her strength, was always freeh 
aflbrded ; and no troops surpassed her volunteers in bravery 
^134 eoterprise, A large numberj and many of them of- 



64 CONNECTICUT, 

ficers, were killed at the assault upon the fort at Narra^ 
ganset. 

In 1686, king James the second, desirous of annulling^ 
not only the charters which had been granted to his Englisfe 
cities, but those also which had been granted to his Ameri- 
can colonies, summoned the governor of Connecticut to ap- 
pear and show cause why her charter should not be de- 
clared void. And Sir Edmund Andross, who had been ap- 
pointed governor of New-England, advised the colony, as 
the course best calculated to ensure the good will of his 
majesty, to resign it voluntarily into his hands, he having 
been instructed to receive it. But the people estimated 
too highly the privileges it conferred to surrender it until 
necessity compelled them. 

Sir Edmund, therefore, repaired, with a body of troops,^ 
to Hartford, when the assembly were in session, and de- 
manded of them the charter. They hesitated and debated 
until evening. It was then produced and laid upon the ta- 
ble, a large number of people being present. Suddenly, 
the candles were extinguished. With counterfeited haste^ 
they were again relighted ; but the charter could no where 
be found. In the dark, it had been privately carried off;, 
by a captain VVadsworth, and concealed in a hollow tree. 
Sir Edmund, however, assumed the government of the col- 
ony, and ruled with the same absolute s^^ay, though not 
with the same oppressive tyranny, as in Massachusetts., 

When James was driven from his throne and kingdomj 
and his governor deposed, Connecticut resumed her former 
government. The assembly voted a flattering address t© 
king William. The suit, instituted for the purpose of an 
nulling her charter, was abandoned ; and her inhabitants^ 
while enjoying greater privileges than any of their breth- 
ren, had reason to congratulate themselves upon their ad- 
dress and good fortune in preserving them. 

But, not long afterwards, they were again called upon to 
defend these privileges from encroachment. In 1692, 
colonel Fletcher was appointed governor of New- York, 
and was authorized, by his commission, to take command 
of the militia of Connecticut, This power having been 
given, by the charter, to the governor of the colony, he 
determined not to relinquish it, and in this determinatioT\ 
was supported by the people. 



CONNECTICUT. 65 

The next year, when (he general court were in session, 
colonel Fletcher repaired lo Hartford, and required that 
the militia of the colony should be placed under his com- 
mand. This was resolutely refused. He then ordered tlie 
trainbands of the city to be assembled. This being done, 
he appeared before them, and directed his aid to read to 
them his commission and instructions from the king. 

Captain Wadsworth, the senior officer of the militia 
present, instantly ordered the drums to beat, and such was 
the noise, that nothing else could be heard. Colonel Fletch- 
er commanded silence ; and again his aid began to read. 
*' Drum, drum, I say," exclaimed Wadsworth, and a com- 
mand so acceptable to the players, was obeyed with spirit. 
Once more the colonel commanded silence, and a pause en- 
sued. '* Drum, drum, I say," cried the captain, and turn« 
ing to governor Fletcher, addressed him, with energy in his 
voice and meaning in his looks, " If 1 am interrupted again,, 
f will make the sun shine through you in a moment." 

Deeming it unwise to contend with such a spirit, colonel 
Fletcher desisted, left Hartford the next night, and re- 
turned to New-York A representation of the opposing 
claims being made to the king, he decided that the gover- 
nor of Connecticut shotild have the command of the militia; 
but in time of war, a certain number should be placed un- 
der the orders of Fletcher. 

In 1700, Yale college was founded. It owes its exist- 
ence to the beneficence and public spirit of the clergy. It 
was first established at Say brook ; and, in 1702, the first 
degrees were there conferred. Elihu Yale made sev- 
eral donations to the institution, and from him it derives the 
name it bears. A succession of able instructers has raised 
it to the second rank among the literary institutions of the 
country. 

In 1708, an act was passed by the legislature, requiring 
the ministers and delegates of churches to meet and form 
an ecclesiastical constitution for the colony. A meeting 
was in consequence held at Say brook, the resul of which 
was the celebrated Saybrook platform. At the subsequent 
session of the legislature, it was enacted that all the church- 
es, united according to this platform, should be owned as 
established by law, allowing, however, to other churches, 
the right of exercising worship and discipline in their own 
way, according to their consciences. 

6* f 



bio CONNECTICUT, 

In the several abortive attempts to reduce the Frencli 
settlements in Canada, and in the expedition against Louis^ 
burg, Connecticut furnished her full quota of troops, and 
liore her proportion of the expenses. Of these, a history 
is elsewhere given. After the death of Philip, most of the 
Indians abandoned her territory, and seldom returned to 
molest the inhabitants ; who, living in the eiyoyment of all 
the privileges they desired, felt no inducementj and were 
afforded no opportunity, to perform such at^tions as enliven 
the pages of history, 



CHAPTER Vr 
RHODE ISLAND, 



Roger Williams, who was banished from Massachusetts^^ 
for avowing the doctrine, that the civil magistrate is bouni 
to grant equal protection to every denomination of chris= 
tians, a doctrine too liberal for the age in which he lived, 
repaired to Seeconk, where he procured a grant of land 
from the Indians. Being informed, by the governor of 
Plymouth, that the land was within the limits of that colo- 
ny, he proceeded to Mooshausic, where, in 1636, with 
those friends who followed him, he began a plantation. 

He purchased the land of the Indians, and, in grateful 
acknowledgment of the kindness of heaven, he called the 
place Providence. Acting in conformity with the wise and 
liberal principle, for avowing and maintaining which, he 
had suffered banishment, he allowed entire freedom of con- 
science to all who came within his borders. And to him 
must be given the glory of having first set a practical exam- 
ple of the equal toleration of all religious sects in the same 
political community. 

His benevolence was not confined to his civilized breth- 
ren. He labored to enlighten, improve, and conciliate the 
savages. He learned their language, travelled among them, 
and gained the entire confidence of their chiefs. He had 
often the happiness, by his influence over them, of saving 
from injury the colony that had proclaimed him an outlaw, 
and driven him into the wilderness. 

In 1638, William Coddington, and seventeen others, be- 
ing persecuted for their religious tenets in Massachusetts, 
followed Williams to Providence. By his advice, they pur- 
chased of the Indians the island of Aquetnec, now called 
Rhode Island, and removed thither. Coddington was chosen 
their judge, or chief magistrate. The fertility of the soil, 
and the toleration of all christian sects, attracted numerous 
emigrants from the adjacent settlements. 



68 RHODE ISLAND. 

When the New-England colonies, in 1643, formed their 
memorable confederacy, Khode Island applied to be ad- 
mitted a member. Plymouth objected ; asserting that the 
settlements were within her boundaries. The commission- 
ers decided that Rhode Island might enjoy all the advan- 
tages of the confederacy, if she would submit to the juris- 
diction of Plymouth. She declined, proudly preferring in- 
dependence to all the benefits of dependent union. 

In 1644, Williams, having been sent to England as agent 
for both settlements, obtained of the Plymouth company, 
a patent for the territory, and permission for the inhabit- 
ants to institute a government for themselves. In 1647, 
delegates chosen by the freemen, held a general assembly 
at Portsmouth, organized a government, and established a 
code of laws. The executive power was contided to a 
president and four assistants. 

Upon the application of the inhabitants, the king, in 
166.:i, granted a charter to Rhode Island and Providence 
Plantations. The supreme, or legislative power, was to 
be exercised by an assembl3(j which was to consist of the 
governor, often assistants, and of representatives from the 
several towns, all to be chosen by the freemen. This as- 
sembly granted to all christian sects, except Roman Catho- 
lics, the right of voting. In 1665, they authorized, by law,^ 
the seizure of the estates of (Quakers, who refused to assist 
in defending the colony ; but this law, being generally con- 
demned by the people, was never executed. 

When Andross was made governor over New-England, 
he dissolved the charter government of Rhode Island, and 
ruled the colony, with the assistance of a council appoint- 
ed by himself. After he was imprisoned, at Boston, the 
freemen met at Newport, and voted to resume their char- 
ter. All the officers who, three years before, had been 
displaced, were restored. 

The benevolence, justice, and pacific policy of Williams, 
secured to the colony an almost total exemption from In- 
dian hostility. In 1730, the number of inhabitants was 
18,000; in 1761, it was 40,000. Brown university was 
founded, at Warren, in 1764, and was removed, a few years 
after, to Providence. Its founder was Nicholas Brown, 
who gave te the institution five thousand dollars. 



eHAPTER VL 
NEW-YORK. 



In 1609, Henry Hudson, an Englishman, but sailing in 
the service of the Dutch East India Company, discovered 
Long Island, the harbor of New-York, and the river to 
which his name has been given. In •'"OS, several Dutch 
merchants, to whom the republic of Holland had granted the 
exclusive right of trading to this part of America, erected 
a fort near Albany, which they named fort Orange, and a 
few trading houses on the island of Mew-York, then called^ 
by the Indians, Manhattan. 

In the same year, captain Argal, who had been sent by 
Virginia to drive the French from their settlements on the 
bay of Fundy, visited, on his return, the Dutch on Hud- 
son's river. Claiming the (Country for his nation, by right 
of prior discovery, he demanded their acknowledgment 
of its authority. Being i'ew in number, they prudently sub- 
mitted, without attempting to resist. 

But, receiving a reinforcement, the next year, they again 
asserted the right of Holland to the country, and erected 
fort Amsterdam, on the south end of the island. The Eng- 
lish, for many years, forbore to interfere in their pursuits 
or claims. In 1621, the republic, desirous of founding a 
colony in America, granted to the Dutch West India com- 
pany, an extensive territory on both sides of the Hudson^ 
The country was called New Netherlands^ The bounda- 
ries were not accurately defined, but were considered, by" 
the company, as including Connecticut river at the north, 
and Delaware river at the south. 

In 1623, they erected a fort on the Delaware, which 
they called Nassau ; and, ten j^ears afterwards, an oth^ 
er on the Connecticut, which they called Good Hope. 
Near the former, the Swedes had a settlement. From the 
ijiterferjng claims of the two n^itions, (quarrels arose bo^ 



70 5EW-Y0RK. 

tween the settlers, which, after continuing several years, 
terminated in the subjugation of the Swedes. Towards 
the fort on the Connecticut, the settlements of the English 
rapidly approached, and sodu occasioned disputes, which 
had a longer duration and a different result. 

The Duich did not escape the calamity of war with the 
savages. Hostilities commenced in 1643, continued seve- 
ral years, and were very destructive to both parties. 
William Kieft, the governor of the New Netherlands, in- 
vited Captain Underbill, who had been a soldier in Europe, 
and had in de himself conspicuous in New-Hampshire, for 
his eccentricities in religion and conduct, to take command 
of his troops. Collecting a flying party of one hundred 
and fifty men, he was enabled to preserve the Dutch set- 
tlements from total destruction. The number of Indians, 
whom he killed in the course of the war, was supposed to 
exceed four hundred. In 16 !6, a severe battle was fought 
on that part of Horse-neck called Strickland's Plain. The 
Dutch were victorious ; on both sides great numbers were 
slain ; and for a century afterwards the graves of the dead 
were distinctly visible. 

In 165", Peter Stuyvesant, then the able governor of 
the New-Netherlands, met the commissioners of the New- 
Engfand colonies at Hartford, where, after much alterca- 
tion, a line of partition betv.een their respective territories 
was fixed by mutual agreement. Long Island was divided 
between them ; th*^ Dutch retained the lands which they 
occupied in Connecticut, surrendering their claim to the 
residue. 

But Charles the Second, denying their right to any por- 
tion of the country, determined to expel them from it. In 
1664, he granted to his brother, the Duke of York and 
Albany, all the territory between Nova-Scotia and Dela- 
ware Bay ; and though England and Holland were then 
at peace, immediately sent three ships and three hundred 
troops to put him in possession of his grant. Colonel 
Robert Nii^bols conducted the expedition. The squadron^ 
having visited Boston, reached the place of its destination 
in August. 

The commander summoned governor Stuyvesant to sur- 
render the town, promising to secure to the inhabitants 
ikBiv lives, liberty; and property, At first, he refused ; 



but the magistrates and people, allured by the proffered 
terms, constrained him to consent. Fort Orange siurren- 
dered,soon after, to Sir George Carteret. In compliment 
to the Duke, the name, Manhattan, was changed to New- 
York, and Orange to Albany. 

Nichols assumed the government of the country he had 
conquered, and continued, for three years, to rule over it, 
with absolute power, but with great lenity and justice. 
During his admiiiistration. New- York was made a city. 
Upon his return to England, he was succeeded by Colonel 
Lovelace, who administered the government with equal 
moderation. 

In 1673, England and Holland being then at war, a few 
JDutch ships were despatched to reconquer the country. 
On their arrival at Staten Island, a short distance from the 
city, John Manning, who had command of the fort, sent 
down a messenger and treacherously made terms with the 
enemy. The Dutch sailed up the harbor, landed their 
men, and took possession of the fort and city, without fir- 
ing or receiving a shot. 

Captain Anthony Colve was appointed governor, but he 
retained the authority for a few months only. The next 
year, peace was concluded, and the country restored to 
the English. The Duke obtained a new patent, confirm- 
ing his title to the province, and appointed major Andross, 
the same who was afterwards the tyrant of New-England^ 
to be governor over his territories in America. 

Neither the administration of Andross, nor that of his 
successor, Anthony Brock hoist, was distinguished by any 
remarkable event. In 1082, Colonel Thomas Dongan, 
who, as well as the Duke, was a Roman Catholic, was ap- 
pointed governor, and the next year arrived in the colony. 
Until this time, the governor and council had possessed ab- 
solute power. The inhabitants, who, whether Dutch or 
English, were born the subjects of a state comparatively 
free, having, in an address to the Duke, claimed a share in 
the legislative authority, colonel Dongan was directed t© 
allow the freeholders to meet and choose representatives. 

On the 17th of October, the first assembly met, consist- 
ing of the council and eighteen representatives. By the 
declaration of the governor, they were invested with the 
sole power of enacting laws and levying taxes ; but the 



7^ 15BW-YORK. 

laws could have no force until ratified by the Duke. With 
this participation of power, the people were gratified and 
contented ; and the colony began to enjoy the inestimable 
advantages of a regular government. 

The interior of New-York was originally inhabited by 
a confederacy which consisted at first of five, and after- 
wards of six, nations of Indians. This confederacy was 
formed for mutual defence against the Algonquins, a pow- 
erful Canadian nation, and displayed much of the wisdom 
and sagacity which mark the institutions of a civilized peo- 
ple. By their union, they had become formidable to the 
surrounding tribes. Being the allies of the English, the 
French were alarmed at their successes, and became jea^ 
lous of their power. 

In 1684, De la Barre, the governor of Canada, marched 
to attack them, with an army of seventeen hundred men. 
His troops suffered so much from hardships, famine, and 
sickness, that he was compelled to ask peace of those whom 
he had come to exterminate. He invited the chiefs of the 
five nations to meet him at his camp, and those of three 
of them accepted the invitation. Standing in a circle, 
formed by the chiefs and his own officers, he addressed a 
speech to Garrangula, of the Onondago tribe, in which he 
accused the confederates of conducting the English to the 
trading grounds of the French, and threatened them with 
war and extermination if they did not alter their behavior. 

Garrangula, knowing the distresses of the French troops, 
heard these threats with contempt. After walking five or 
six times round the circle, he addressed the following bold 
and sarcastic language to De la Barre, calling him Yonnon- 
dio, and the English governor, Corlear. 

" Yonnondio, I honor you, and the warriors that are with 
tae likewise honor you. Your interpreter has finished 
your speech ; I now begin mine. M}^ words make haste 
to reach your ears ; hearken to them. 

''Yonnondio, you must have believed, when you left 
Quebec, that the sun had consumed all the forests which 
render our country inaccessible to the French, or that the 
great lakes had overflown their banks and surrounded our 
castles, so that it was impossible for us to get out of them. 
Yes, Yonnondio, you must have dreamed so, and the curi- 
osity of so great a wonder has brought you so far. Now 



KEW-YORK. 73 

you arie undeceived, for I, and the warriors here present, 
are come to assure you, that the Senecas, Cayugas, Onon- 
dagas, Oneydoes, and Mohawks, are yet alive. 

'' I thank you, in their name, for bringing back into their 
country the pipe of peace, which your predecessor re- 
ceived from their hands. It was happy for you that you 
left under ground that murdering hatchet which has been 
so often dyed in the blood of the French. Hear, Yonnon- 
dio, I do not sleep 5 I have my eyes open, and the sun which 
enlightens me, discovers to me a great captain, at the head 
of a company of soldiers, who speaks as if he was dream- 
ing. He says that he only came to smoke the great pipe of 
peace, with the Onondagas. But Garrangulasays, that he 
sees the contrary ; that it was to knock them on the headj 
if sickness had not weakened the arms of the French. 

" We carried the English to our Lakes, to trade there 
with the Utawawas, and Q,uatoghies, as the Adirondacs 
brought the French to our castles to carry on a trade which 
the English say is theirs. We are born free ; we neither 
depend on Yonnondio nor Corlear. We may go where we 
please, and buy and sell what we please. If your allies are 
your slaves, use them as such ; command them to receive 
no other but your people. 

*'Hear, Yonnondio ; what 1 say is the voice of all the 
Five Nations. When they buried the hatchet at Cadaracui, 
m the middle of the fort, they planted the tree of peace in 
the same place, to be there carefully preserved, that in- 
stead of a retreat for soldiers, the fort might be a rendez- 
vous for merchants. Take care that the many soldiers who 
appear there, do not choke the tree of peace, and prevent 
it from covering your country and ours with its branches. 
I assure you that our warriors shall dance under its leaves, 
and will never dig up the hatchet to cut it down, till their 
brother Yonnondio or Corlear shall invade the country 
which the Great Spirit has given to our ancestors." 

De la Barre was mortified and enraged at this bold reply ; 
but, submitting to necessity, he concluded a treaty of 
peace, and returned to Montreal. His successor, De Non- 
ville, led a larger army against the confederates ;* but fell 
inio an ambuscade and was defeated. These wars within 
the limits of the colony, kept colonel Dongan actively em- 

7 



74 jSEW-iroRK^ 

ployed, and served to perpetuate the enmity of the Indi^iW 
against the French, and their attachment to the English, 

In the mean time, the duke of York ascended the throne 
of England. Claiming unlimited authority as king, and 
professing the Catholic religion, he was hated and fear- 
ed by a great portion of the inhabitants, who were devoted 
to the cause of freedom, and to the principles of the pro- 
testants. The governor was also an object of their dislike 
and distrust. Catholics, countenanced by him, repaired 
in great numbers to the colony, and pious protestants 
trembled for their religion. 

In the beginning of the year 1689, information was re- 
ceived from England that the people had resolved to de- 
throne their sovereign, and offer the crown to Williamy 
prince of Orange ; and from Massachusetts, that the citi- 
zens had deposed and imprisoned sir Edmund Andross^ 
their governor. This encouraged the disaffected, and pre- 
sented an example for their imitation. 

Several militia captains assembled to determine on the 
measures expedient to be adopted. Of these, Jacob Leis- 
jer was the most aciive. He was destitute of every quali- 
fication necessary to conduct a difficult enterprise, but 
possessed the esteem and confidence of the other officers, 
and of the people. Milborne, his son-in-law, concerted all 
bis measures, and controlled his conduct. 

They determined to obtain possession of tlie fort. Leis- 
ier entered it with fifty men, and published a declaration 
infavor of the prince of Orange. The magistrates and most 
respectable citizens discountenanced the proceeding, and, 
at first, but few had the courage to declare themselves his 
friends. To induce them to act, a report was circulated 
that three ships, with orders from the prince, were sailing 
up the harbor. His party was instantly augmented by six 
captains, and nearly five hundred men, a force sufficient to 
overpower all opposition. 

Before these disturbances, colonel Dongan had resigned 
his office, and embarked for England. Lieutenant-governor 
Nicholson, unable to contend with Leisler, absconded in 
the night. The province being thus left without a chief 
magistrate, Leisler was promoted, by his adherents, to that 
station. He sent an address to king William and queen 
Mary, whose authority he acknowledged, and, soon after. 



SEW-YORK. 75 

i& private letter to the king, expressing, in low and incor- 
rect language, the warmest protestations of loyalty and zeal. 

His sudden elevation excited the envy of those magis- 
trates and citizens who had declined to join him in pro- 
claiming king William, Bayard and Courtlandt, unable t© 
raise a party against him in the city, retired to Albany, 
where their exertions were successful. To diminish their 
influence, and to allay the jealousy of others, he invited 
several worthy citizens to unite with him in administering 
the government, a trust which had been confided to him 
alone, by the mihtia. 

In a few months, however, a letter arrived from the min- 
istry in England, directed " to such as, for the time beings 
take care for administering the laws of the province,*' and 
conferring authority to perform all the duties of lieutenant- 
governor. Leisler considered this letter addressed to him- 
self, assumed the authority conferred, appointed his coun- 
cil, and issued commissions in his own name. 

The people of Albany, led by Bayard, Courtlandt, and 
Livingsiton, acknowledged king William, but refused to sub- 
mit to Leisler, Milborne was sent with a body of troops 
to enforce obedience, but, finding them united, he return- 
ed without attempting it. The next spring, going with s 
stronger force, he succeeded. The leaders of the party 
fled, and their property was confiscated. This arbitrary 
and unjust measure so exasperated the sufferers, that they 
and their posterity long retained the most violent animosi- 
ty against Leisler and his adherents. 

During these troubles in the colony, war was declared 
between France and England De Nonville being recalled, 
Count Frontenac was appointed governor of Canada. In 
January, 1690, he despatched several parties against the 
English settlements. 

One of these, consisting of Frenchmen and Caghnuaga 
Indians, was sent against Albany, but resolved to attack 
Schenectady. To the inhabitants of this village, informa- 
tion was given of their danger ; but they, judging it impos- 
sible for the enemy to march several hundred miles in the 
depth of winter, disregarded the intelligence. No regular 
watch was kept, nor military order observed. 

The French and Indians arrived near the town on the 
e^ighih of February, They divided their number into small 



76 NEW-YORK. 

parties, that every house might be invested at the samsr 
time. On Saturday night, at eleven o'clock, they entered 
at the gates which they found unshut. The inhabitants 
having retired to rest, universal stillness reigned. Sud- 
denly, in every quarter, the horrid yell was heard. The)^ 
sprang from their beds, conscious of the danger which sur» 
rounded them. Opening their doors, they met the savages, 
with uplifted tomahawks, on the threshold. Each, at the 
same instant, heard the cry of his affrighted neighbor. Sooo 
succeeded the groans of the dying. In a few minutes, the 
buildings were on fire. Women were butchered, and chil- 
dren thrown alive into the flames. The Indians, frantic 
from slaughter, ran, with fatal haste, through the village, 
massacreing many, who, in their attempts to escape, were 
betrayed by the light of their own houses. 

Some eluded their pursuers ; but a fate almost as dread- 
ful awaited them. They were naked ; a furious storm came 
on ; Albany, their only refuge, was at a distance ; and often 
their terror converted into savages the trees and wild 
beasts which they saw in their flight. Part arrived in safety j 
twenty-five lost their limbs by the severity of the cold. At 
Schenectady, sixty were killed, and twenty-five made pris- 
oners. 

To avenge these barbarities, and others perpetrated in 
New-England, a combined expedition against Canada was 
projected. An army, raised in New-York and Connecti- 
cut, proceeded as far as the head of lake ChamplaiUj, 
whence, finding no boats prepared, they were obliged to re- 
turn. Sir William Phipps, with a fleet of more than thirty 
vessels, sailed from Boston into the St. Lawrence, andj 
landing a body of troops, made an attack by land and water 
upon Quebec ; but the return of the army to New- York, 
allowing the whole force of the enemy to repair to the as- 
sistance of the garrison, he was obliged to abandon the en- 
terprise. To the misconduct or incapacity of Leisler and 
Milborne, the failure of this expedition was attributed. 

As soon as king William could find leisure to attend to 
his colonies, he appointed colonel Henry Sloughter gov- 
ernor of New- York, Never was a governor more neces-< 
sary to the province, and never, perhaps, has it been ruled 
by one less qualified for the station. He was destitute ot 
talentSj licentious, avariciousj and a bankrupt. 



NEW-YORK. 77 

Leisler, when informed of this appointment, ought to 
have relinquished the authority he had exercised ; but he 
was weak, intoxicated with power, and determined to re- 
tain it. Ahhough twice required, he refused to surrender 
the fort ; but sent two persons to confer with the govern- 
or, who, declaring them rebels, arrested and confined them. 
Alarmed by this measure, Leisler attempted to escape, but 
was apprehended, with many of his adherents, and brought 
to trial. 

In vain did they plead their zeal for king William. In 
vain did Leisler insist that the letter from England author- 
ized him to administer the government. They had lately 
resisted a governor with a regular commission, and this go- 
vernor, and a subservient court, were resolved upon their 
conviction. Leisler and Milborne were condemned to death 
for high treason. 

Soon after their trial, the affairs of the province required 
Sloughter's presence at Albany. The faction opposed to 
them, entreated him, before his departure, to sign the war- 
rant for their execution ; but he, unwilling to sacrifice two 
men, who, though they had sometimes erred, had served 
his master with zeal, refused. Unable to effect their pur- 
pose by persuasion, they resorted to a detestable expe- 
dient. A sumptuous feast was prepared, to which the go- 
vernor was invited. When he had dinnk to intoxication, 
they presented him the warrant, which he signed, and when 
he had recovered his senses, the prisoners were no more. 

On application to the king, their estates, which had been 
confiscated, were restored to their heirs. Their bodies 
were afterwards taken up and interred, with great pomp, 
in the old Dutch church ; and their descendants are con- 
sidered honored, rather than disgraced, by the conduct 
and fall of their ancestors. 

In July, 1691, Sloughter, having returned from Albany, 
ended, by a sudden death, a short, weak, and turbulent ad- 
ministration. About the same time, major Peter Schuyler, 
at the head of three hundred Mohawks, made a sudden and 
bold attack upon the French settlements, at the north end 
of Lake Champlain. An army of eight hundred men was 
despatched from Montreal to oppose him. With these he 
had several irregular, but successful conflicts : in which he 

7* 



78 NEW-YORE. 

killed a number of the enemy, greater than that of his whole 
party. 

In 1692, colonel Fletcher arrived as successor to Slough- 
ter. He was a good soldier, was active, avaricious, and 
passionate. From the talents and information of major 
Schuyler, he derived great assistance, and was governed 
by his advice, particularly in transactions relative to the 
Indians. 

As a great portion of the inhabitants were Dutch, all the 
governors, to produce uniformity in religion and language, 
had encouraged English preachers and school-masters to 
settle in the colony. No one pursued this object with more 
zeal than Fletcher, who was devoted to the church of Eng- 
land. At two successive sessions, he recommended the 
subject to the attention of the assembly ; but the members, 
being generally attached to the church of Holland, disre- 
garded his recommendations. For this neglect, he gave 
them a severe reprimand. 

The subject being laid before them, at a subsequent ses- 
sion, they passed a bill providing for the settlement, in 
certain parishes, of ministers of the gospel, to be chosen 
by the people. The council added an amendment, giving 
to the governor the power of approval or rejection. The 
house refused to concur in the amendment, at which Fletch- 
er was so much envaged, that he commanded them instant- 
ly to attend him, and, addressing them in an angry speech, 
prorogued them to the next year. 

In 1697, a peace, which gave security and repose to the 
colonies, was concluded between Great Britain and France- 
The next year, the earl of Bellamont was appointed go- 
vernor. He was particularly instructed to clear the Ameri- 
can seas of the pirates who infested them, and who, it 
was suspected, had even received encouragement from 
Fletcher. 

The government declining to furnish the necessary na- 
val force, the earl engaged, with others, in a private un- 
dertaking against them. The associates, procuiinga ves- 
sel of war, gave the command of it to a captain Kid, and 
sent him to cruise against the pirates. He had been but a 
short time at sea, when, disregarding his instructions, he 
made a new contract with his crew, and, on the Atlantic 
and Indian Oceans, became himself a daring, atrocious, and 
successful pirate. 



NEW-YORK. 79 

Three years afterwards, he returned, burned his ship, 
and, with a strange infatuation, appeared publicly at Bos- 
ton, He was apprehended and sent to England, where he 
was tried and executed. The earl and his partners, some of 
whom resided in England, were accused of sharing in his 
plunder, but in all his examinations he declared them in- 
nocent. 

Notwithstanding the death of Leisler, the people were 
still divided into Leislerians and anti Leislerians. Fletch- 
er had been the instrument of the latter ; Lord Bellamont 
espoused the cause of the former. He, however, perse- 
cuted no one ; but exercised authority with justice and 
moderation. He died in 1701. 

The next year, Lord Cornbury was appointed governor. 
He presented a striking proof of the folly of hereditary dis- 
tinctions. He was the son of the celebrated earl of Cla- 
rendon ; but possessed not one of the virtues of his ances- 
tor. Mean, profligate, and unprincipled, he was a burden 
to his friends at home, and was sent to America to be be- 
yond the reach of his creditors. 

He declared himself an anli-Leislerian, and the first as- 
sembly that he summoned, was composed principally of men 
of that party. They presented him two thousand pounds 
to defray the expenses of his voyage. They raised several 
sums of money for public purposes, but the expenditure 
being intrusted to him as governor, be appropriated most 
of it to his own use. 

His acts of injustice and oppression ; his prodigality ; his 
indecent and vulgar manners, rendered him universally 
odious. In 1708, the assemblies of New- York and of New- 
Jersey, of which cqlonj'^ he was also governor, complained 
to the queen of his misconduct. She removed him from 
office ; he was soon after arrested by his creditors, and re- 
mained in custody uniil the death of his illustrious father, 
when he returned to England and took his seat in the house 
of lords. 

A proceeding of the house of representatives, near the 
close of his administration, ought not to be passed over 
without notice. Wearied by their sufferings, they appoint- 
ed a committee of grievances, who reported a series of 
resolutions having reference to recent transactions, which 
resolutions were adopted by the house. One of them 



80 NEW-YORK. 

in energetic language, asserted the principle, ''that the 
imposing and levying of any moneys upon her majesty's 
subjects of this colony, under any pretence or color what- 
soever, without consent in general assembly, is a grievance 
and a violation of the people's property." It is not unin- 
structive to observe how early, in some of the colonies^ 
were sown the seeds of the American revolution. 

In 1710, general Hunter, who had been appointed go- 
vernor, arrived in the province. He brought with him 
near three thousand Germans, some of whom settled in 
New-York, and some in Pennsylvania. The latter trans- 
mitted to their native land such favorable accounts of the 
country which they had chosen for their residence, that 
many others followed and settled in that colony. The nu- 
merous descendants of these Germans are honest, indus- 
trious, and useful citizens. 

The prodigality of Lord Cornbury, had taught the as- 
sembly an important lesson. Before his removal, they had 
obtained from the queen permission, in cases of special ap- 
propriations, to appoint their own treasurer. They now 
passed a bill confiding to this officer the disbursement of 
certain sums appropriated for ordinary purposes. The 
council proposed an amendment. The house denied the 
right of that body to amend a money bill. Both continuing 
obstinate, the governor prorogued them, and at their next 
session dissolved them. 

At this time, war existed between England and France. 
In 1709, expensive preparations were made for an attack 
ypon Canada; but the promised assistance not arriving from 
England, the enterprise was abandoned. In 1 7 1 1 , the pro- 
ject was resumed. A fleet sailed up the St. Lawrence, to 
attack Quebec: and an army of four thousand men, raised 
by New-York, New-Jersey, and Connecticut, marched to 
invade Canada, by the route of lake Champlain. The fleet, 
shattered by a storm, was compelled to return. The army, 
informed of the disasters of the fleet, returned also, having 
accomplished nothing. 

The people, approving the conduct of their representa- 
tives in relation to the revenue, had re-elected nearly all 
of them, and they were now in session. To defray the ex- 
penses of the late expedition, they passed several bills 
which were amended in the council. Between these two 



IS'EW-YORK. 81 

bodies, an other contest ensued. The representatives, 
deriving their authority from the people, considered them- 
selves bound to watch over the expenditure of their money. 
The council, deriving their authority from the same source 
as the governor, were desirous of increasing his influence 
by giving him the management of the revenue. During 
this, and a subsequent session, both continiied inflexible. 
The governor, provoked at the obstinacy of the represen- 
tatives, dissolved the assembly. 

At the ensuing election, which was warmly contested, 
most of the members chosen, were opposed to the gover- 
nor. This assembly was dissolved by t .e death of the 
.queen. The next was dissolved by the governor, soon af- 
ter it first met, a majority of the representatives being 
known to be unfriendly to his views. The people became 
weary of contending. Most of the members chosen at the 
succeeding election, were his friends and partisans, and, 
for several years, the utmost harmony existed between the 
different branches of the government. 

Governor Hunter quitted the province in 17.19, and his 
authority devolved on Peter Schuyler, the oldest member 
of the council. The next year, William Burnet, son of the 
celebrated bishop of that name, was appointed governor. 
Turning his attention towards the wilderness, he perceived 
that the French, in order to connect their settlements in 
Canada and Louisiana, to secure to themselves the Indian 
trade, and to confine the English to the sea coast, were 
busily employed in erecting a chain of forts from the St, 
Lawrence to the Mississippi. 

He endeavored to defeat their design, by building a 
trading house, and afterwards a fort, at Oswego, on lake 
Ontario. But the French had the command of more abun- 
dant resources, and applied them to the accompli?^hment of 
their object, with great activity and zeal. They launched 
two vessels upon that lake ; and, going farther into the wil- 
derness, erected a fort at Niagara, commanding the entrance 
into it; they had previously erected fort Frontenac, com- 
manding the outlet. 

The assembly, elected in 1716, had been so obsequious 
to the governor, that he continued it in existence until the 
clamors of the people induced him, in 1727, to dissolve it. 
That which nextmetj was composed entirely of his oppo* 



8g NEW-YORir. 

nents. The court of chancery, in which he presided, had 
become exceedingly unpopular. It had been instituted by 
an ordinance of the governor and council, without the con- 
currence of the assembly; the mode of proceeding was 
aovel ; and some of the decisions had given ereat offence 
to powerful individuals. The house passed resolutions de- 
claring it " a manifest oppression and grievance," and in- 
timating that its decrees were void. The governor instant- 
ly called the assembly before him, and dissolved it. 

Being soon after appointed governor of Mass^achusetts, 
he was succeeded by colonel Montgomery, upon whose 
death, in 1 73 1, the supreme authority devolved upon Rip 
Van Dam, the senior member of the council. Under hi^ 
short and inefficient administration, the French were perr 
mitted to erect a fort at Crown Point, within the acknow- 
ledged boundaries of New-York, from which parties of sav- 
ages were often secretly despatched to destroy the English 
settlements. 

Van Dam was superseded by William Cosby, who arrived 
in August, 1732. Having been the advocate in parliament, 
of the American colonies, he was at first popular, but soon 
lost the affection and confidence of the people. By his in- 
stigation, one Zenger, the printer of a newspaper, was pros- 
ecuted for publishing an article declared to be derogatory 
to the dignity of his majesty's government. He was zeal- 
ously defended by able counsel, and an independent jury 
gave a verdict of acquittal. The people applauded their 
conduct, and the magistrates of the city of New York pre- 
sented to Andrew Hamilton, one of his defenders, the free- 
dom of the city, in a gold box, and their thanks for '* his 
learned and generous defence of the rights of mankind, and 
the liberty of the press." 

Governor Cosby died in 1736, and was succeeded by- 
George Clark, at that time senior counsellor, but soon af- 
ter appointed lieutenant-governor. Again was revived the 
contest which had ended, twenty years before, in the vic- 
tory gained by governor Hunter, over the house of repre 
sentatives. The colony being in debt, the house voted to 
raise the sum of six thousand pounds ; but, in order to pre* 
vent its misapplication, declared, that it should be applied 
to the payment of certain specified debts. Offended by this 
votey Clark resorted to the expedient which had usually 



S-EW-YORK. 89 

been adopted to punish or intimidate ; he immediately dis 
solved the assembly. 

At the next election, great exertions were made by the 
opposing parties. The popular party was triumphant. At 
their second session the house voted an address to the lieu 
tenant-governor, which is worthy of particular notice. In 
bold and explicit language, they state some of the vital prin- 
ciples of free government, refer to recent misapplications 
of money, and proceed : 

" We therefore beg leave to be plain with your honor, 
and hope you will not take it amiss when we tell you, that 
you are not to expect that we will either raise sums unfit 
to be raised, or put what we shall raise, into the power of 
a governor to misapply, if we can prevent it ; nor shall we 
make up any other deficiencies than what we conceive are 
fit and just to be paid ; nor continue what support or rev- 
enue we shall raise, for any longer time than one year ; 
nor do we think it convenient to do even that, until such 
laws are passed as we conceive necessary for the safety of 
the inhabitants of this colony, who have reposed a trust in 
us for that only purpose, and which we are sure you will 
think it reasonable we should act agreeably to ; and by the 
grace of God we shall endeavor not to deceive them." 

With a body of men, so resolute in asserting their rights, 
the lieutenant governor wisely forebore to contend. He 
thanked them for their address, and promised his cordial 
co-operation in all measures calculated to promote the 
prosperity of the colony. He gave his assent to a law pro- 
viding for the more frequent election of representatives : 
which law, however, two years afterwards, was abrogated 
by the king. 

But between a house of representatives and a chief ma- 
gistrate, deriving their authority from different sources, 
harmony could not long subsist. Mr. Clark, in his speech 
at the opening of the next session, declared that unless the 
revenue was granted for as long a time as it had been 
granted by former assembhcs, his duty to his majesty for- 
bade him from assenting to any act for continuing the ex- 
cise, or for paying the colonial bills of credit. The house 
unanimously resolved, that it would not pass any bill for 
the grant of money, unless assurance should be given that 
the excise should be continued and the bills of credit re- 
deemed. 



84 NEW- YORK. 

The lieutenant governor immediately ordered the mem-' 
bers to attend him. He told them that " their proceedings 
were presumptuous, daring, and unprecedented ; that he 
could not look upon them without astonishment, nor with 
honor suffer the house to sit any longer ;" and he accord- 
ingly dissolved it. Little more than a year had elapsed, 
since the members were chosen ; but in that time they had, 
by their firm and spirited conduct, in support of the rights 
of the people, merited the gratitude of their constituents. 

About this time, a supposed " negro plot" occasioned 
great commotion and alarm in the city of New-York. The 
frequent occurrence of fires, most of which were evident- 
ly caused by design, first excited the jealousy and suspi- 
cion of the citizens. Terrified by danger which lurked 
unseen in the midst of them, they listened with eager cre- 
dulity to the declaration of some abandoned females, that 
the negroes had combined to burn the city and make one 
of their number governor. Many were arrested and com- 
mitted to prison. Other witnesses, not more respectable 
than the first, came forward ; other negroes were accused, 
and even several white men were designated as concerned 
in the plot. 

When the time of trial arrived, so strong was the preju- 
dice against the miserable negroes, that every lawyer in the 
city volunteered against them. Ignorant and unassisted, 
nearly all who were tried were condemned. Fourteen were 
sentenced to be burned, eighteen to be hung, seventy-one 
to be transported, and all these sentences were executed. 
Of the whites two were convicted and suifered death. 

All apprehension of danger having subsided, many began 
to doubt whether any plot had in fact been concerted. 
None of the witnesses were persons of credit, their stories 
were extravagant and often contradictory ; and the project 
was such as none but fools or madmen would form. The 
two white men were respectable ; one had received a libe- 
ral education, but he was a catholic, and ihe prejudice 
against Catholics was too violent to permit the free exer- 
cise of reason. Some of the accused were doubtless guilty 
of setting fire to the city ; but the proof of the alleged plot 
was not sufficiently clear to justify the numerous and cruel 
punishments that were inflicted. 

In April, 1740, the assembly again met. It had now 



NEW -YORK, 85 

Visen to importance in the colony. The adherence of the 
representatives to their determination, not to grant the re- 
venue for more than one year, made annual meetings of 
the assembly necessary. This attachment to liberty was 
mistaken for the desire of independence. Lieutenant go- 
vernor Clark, in a speech delivered in 1741, alludes to 
" a jealousy which for some years had obtained in England, 
that the plantations were not without thoughts of throwing 
off their dependence on the crown." 

In 1743, George Clinton was vsent over as governor of 
the colony. Like most of his predecessors he was wel- 
comed with joy ; and one of his earliest measures confirm- 
ed the favorable accounts, which had preceded him, of his 
talents and liberality. To show his willingness to repose 
confidence in the people, he assented to a bill limiting the 
duration of the present and all succeeding assemblies. The 
house manifested its gratitude by adopting the measures 
he recommended for the defence of the province against 
the French, who were then at war with England. 

In 1745, the savages in alliance with France made fre- 
quent invasions of the English territories. The inhabitants 
were compelled to desert Hosick ; Saratoga was destroy- 
ed ; the western settlements in New-England were often 
attacked and plundered. Encouraged by success, the ene- 
my became more daring, and small [)arties ventured within 
the suburbs of Albany, and there laid in wait for prisoners. 
It is even said that one Indian, called Tomonwilemon, of- 
ten entered the city and succeeded in taking captives. 

Distressed by these incursions, the assembly, in 1746, 
^letermined to unite with the other colonies and the mother 
country in an expedition against Canada. They appro- 
priated money to purchase provisions for the army, and 
offered liberal bounties to recruits. But the fleet from 
England did not arrive at the appointed time ; the other 
colonies were dilatory in their preparations, and before 
they were completed, the season for military operations 
had passed away. 

Early in the next year, a treaty was concluded, and the 
inhabitants were, for a short period, relieved from the 
burdens and distresses of war. During the interval of 
peace, no event of importance happened in the colony. 
Upon the recurrence, a few years afterwards, of hostihtieSj, 

8 



86 FEW-YORK, 

its territory was the theatre of sanguinary conflicts. Bat 
of that war, in which all the colonies acted in concert. » 
connected history will be hereafter given. 



CHAPTER VIL 
NEW-JERSEY. 



The first settlement within the limits of New-Jersey 
was made by the Danes, about the year 1624, at a place 
called Bergen, from a city of that name in Norway. Soon 
afterwards, several Dutch families seated themselves in the 
%'icinity of New-York. In 1626, a company was formed in 
Sweden, under the patronage of king Gustavus Adolphus, 
for the purpose of planting a colony in America. The next 
year, a number of Swedes and Finns came over, purchas- 
ed of the natives the land on both sides of the river Dela- 
ware, but made their first settlement on its western bank, 
near Christina creek. 

About the y^ar 1640, the English began a plantation at 
Elsingburgh, on its eastern bank. The Swedes, in con- 
cert with the Dutch who then possessed New-York, drove 
them out of the country. The former built a fort on the 
spot whence the English had been driven ; and, gaining 
thus the command of the river, claimed and exercised 
authority over all vessels that entered it, even those of 
the Dutch, their late associates. 

They continued in possession of the country, on both 
sides of the Delaware, until 1655, when Peter Stuyvesant, 
governor of the New-Netherlands> having obtained assis- 
tance from Holland, conquered all their posts and transport- 
ed most of the Swedes to Europe. The Dutch were now 
In possession of the territor}'^ comprising, at this time, the 
states of New-Jersey, New-York, and Delaware. 

Soon, however, this territory changed masters. King 
Charles the second, having granted it to the duke of York, 
<?ent an armament, in 1664, to wrest it from the Dutch. 
After reducing New- York, the squadron proceeded to the 
settlements on the Delaware, which immediately submit- 
ted. In the same year, the duke conveyed that portion of 
his grant, lying between Hudson and Delaware rivers, to 



88 NEW-JERSEY. 

lord Berkeley and sir George Carteret. This tract was^ 
called New-Jersey, in compliment to sir George, who had 
been governor of the island of Jersey, and had held it for 
king Charles in his contest with the parliament. 

The two proprietors formed a constitution for the colo- 
ny, securing equal privileges and liberty of conscience to 
all, and appointed Philip Carteret governor. He came 
over in 1665, fixed the seat of government at Elizabeth- 
town, purchased land of the Indians, and sent agents into 
New-England to invite settlers from that quarter. The 
terms offered were so favorable that many accepted the 
invitation, 

A few years afterwards, the repose of the colony began 
to be disturbed by domestic disputes. Some of the inha- 
bitants, having purchased their lands of the Indians previ- 
ous to the conveyance from the duke, refused to pay rent 
to the proprietors. Others were discontented from differ- 
ent causes. In 1672, an insurrection took place, the peo- 
ple assumed the government, and chose James Carteret, 
the son of Philip, their governor. The father returned 
to England, and obtained from the proprietors such favora- 
ble concpssions and promises as quieted the people, and 
induced them again to submit to his authority. 

Lord Berkeley disposed of his property, rights, and pri- 
vileges in the territory, to Edward Billinge ; and he, being 
involved in debt, consented that they should be sold for 
the benefit of his creditors. William Penn, Gawen Low- 
rie, and Nicholas Lucas, were appointed trustees for that 
purpose. In 1G76, the trustees and sir George Carteret 
made partition of the territory, they taking the western 
and he the eastern portion. 

West Jersey was then divided into one hundred shares^ 
which were separate]}' sold. Some of the purchasers emi- 
grated to the country, and all made great exertions to pro* 
mote its population. Possessing the powers of govern- 
ment, as well as the right of soil, they formed a constitu- 
tion, in which, for the encouragement of emigrants, they 
secured to them ample privileges. 

But previous to the transfer from Berkeley to Billinge, 
the Dutch, being at war with England, reconquered the 
country, and retained it, until 1674, when it was restored 
by treaty. A new patent was then granted to the duke:. 



NEW -JERSEY. g^ 

mcluding the same territory as the former. In 1678, sir 
Edmund Andross, who had been appointed his sole gover- 
nor in America, claimed jurisdiction over the Jerseys, in- 
sisting that the conqnest by the Dutch divested the pro- 
prietors of all their rights. 

He forcibly seized, transported to New-York, and there 
imprisoned those magistrates who refused to acknowledge 
his authority. He imposed a duty upon all goods import- 
ed, and upoathe property of all who came to settle in thei 
country. Of this injustice the inhabitants loudly complain- 
ed to the duke ; and at length their repeated remonstran- 
ces constrained him to refer the matter to commissioners. 

Before them the proprietors appeared. In strong lan- 
guage they asserted, and by strong arguments supported, 
their claim to the privileges of freemen. Tliey repre- 
sented, that the king had granted to the duke the right of 
government as well as the right of soil ; that the duke had 
transferred the sAme rights to Berkeley and Carteret, and 
they to the present proprietors. 

" That only," they added, " could have induced us to 
purchase lands and emigrate. And the reason is plain : to 
all prudent men, the government of any place is more in- 
viting than the soil ; for what is good land without good 
laws ? What but an assurance that we should enjoy civil 
and religious privileges, could have tempted us to leave 
a cultivated country and resort to a gloomy wilderness ? 
What have we gained, if, after adventuring in this wilder- 
ness many thousands of pounds, we are yet to be taxed at 
the mere will and pleasure of another ? What is it but to 
say, that people, free by law under their prince at home, 
are at his mercy in his plantations abroad ? 

" We huaibly say, that we have lost none of our liberty 
by leaving our country ; that the duty imposed upon us is 
without precedent or parallel ; that, had we foreseen it, 
we should have preferred any other plantation in America. 
Besides, there is no limit to this power; since we are, by 
this preceient, taxed without any law, and thereby ex- 
cluded hoax our English right of assenting to taxes, what 
security have we of any thing we possess ? We can call 
nothing our own, but are tenants at will, not only for the 
soil, but for our personal estates. Such conduct has de-^ 
stroyed governments, but never raised one to any true 
greatness." 8* 



90 NEW-JERSEY. 

The commissioners adjudged the duties illegal and of^ 
pressive, and they were not afterwards demanded. Emi- 
grants continued to arrive and the country' to prosper. In 
1681, the governor of West Jersey summoned a general 
assembly, by which several fundamental laws were enact- 
ed, establishing the rights of the people, and defining the 
powers of rulers. 

In 1682, the territory of East Jersey passed from Car- 
teret to William Penn, and twenty-three associates, mostly 
of the quaker persuasion. They appointed Robert Bar- 
clay, author of the " Apology for the Quakers," governor 
over it for life. The multitude of proprietors, and the 
frequent transfers and subdivisions of shares, introduced 
such confusion in titles to land, and such uncertainty as to 
the rights of government, that, for twenty years afterwards, 
both Jerseys were in a state of continued disturbance and 
disorder. In 1702, the proprietors, weary of contending 
with each other, and with the people, surrendered the 
right of government to the crown. Queen Anne reunited 
the two divisions, and appointed lord Cornbury governor 
over the provinces of New-Jersey and New-York. 

These provinces continued, for several years, to be ruled 
^by the same governor, but each chose a separate assembly. 
In 1738, the inhabitants, by petition to the ki:g, desired 
that they might, in future, have a separate governor. 
Their request was granted, Lewis Morris being the first 
that was appointed. 

In the same year, a college was founded at Princeton 
and called Nassau Hall. New-Jersey then contained above 
forty thousand inhabitants. Being remote from Canada, 
the source of most of the Indian wars which afflicted the 
northern colonies, it enjoyed a complete exemption from 
that terrible calamity, and until the. commencement of the 
revolution, furnished no materials for history. 



CHAPTER VIIL 
DELAWARE. 



This colony was first settled by a company of Swedes 
and Finns, under the patronage of king Gustavus Adolphus, 
They came over in 1627, and landing at cape Henlopen, 
were so charmed with its appearance, that they gave it the 
name of Paradise Point. The country they called New 
S%veden, and the river Delaware, New Swedeland Stream, 
They purchased of the Indians the lands on both sides of 
that river, from the sea to the falls, and seated themselves 
at the moutl< of Christina creek, near Wilmington. 

Being frequently molested by the Dutch, who claimed 
a right to the country, they, for their protection, built 
forts at Christina, Levvistown, and Tinicum. The last was 
their seat of government, and there John Printz, their 
governor, erected an elegant mansion which he named 
Printz Hall. 

In 1651, the Dutch built a fort at New-Castle. Printz, 
considering this place to be within the Swediih territories, 
formally protested against the proceeding. Risingh, his 
successor, made a visit, under the guise of friendship, to 
thecommander ofthefort, and, being accompanied by thirty 
men, treacherously took possession of it, while enjoying bis 
hospitality. 

Peter Stuy vesant, the Dutch governor of New- York, was 
not of a temper to permit an injury thus committed, to pass 
unavenged. Accompanied by an armament, a part of which 
was furnished for the occasion by the city of Amsterdam, 
in Holland, he, in 1655, returned the visit of the Swedes. 
He first reduced the fort at New-Castle ; then that at Chris- 
tina creek, where Risingh commanded ; and afterwards 
the others. Some of the Swedes, on taking the oath of al- 
legiance to Holland, were permitted to remain ; the rest 
were sent to Europe. 



92 DELAWARE. 

The settlements on the Delaware continued under the 
control of the Dutch, until 1664, when the New-Nether- 
lands were conquered by the English. They were then 
considered as a part of New-York. In 1 682, William Penn 
purchased of the duke of York, the town of New-Castle, 
and the country twelve miles around it ; and, by a subse- 
quent purchase, obtained the land lying upon the Delaware, 
and between New-Castle and cape Henlopen. These tracts, 
which constitute the present state of Delaware, were called 
the " Territories," and were, for twenty years, governed as 
a part of Pennsylvania. 

They were divided into three counties, New-Castle, 
Kent, and Sussex, each of w hich sent six delegates to the gen- 
eral assembly. In 1 703, these delegates, dissatisfied with the 
last charter which Penn had prepared, and a majority of the 
assembly had adopted, seceded, and, liberty being given, 
formed a separate and distinct assembly. The two portions 
of the province were never afterwards united, but the pro- 
prietor continued to possess the same jurisdiction, and the 
«ame person uniformly acted as governor over both. 

Sheltered by the surrounding provinces, Delaware en- 
joyed an entire exemption from wars, except those in which, 
as a part of the British empire, she was obliged to partici- 
pate. In the war with France, which terminated in 1763. 
she was second to none in active zeal to assist the parent 
state. In the revolutionary war, the Delaware regiment 
wiiR considered the most efficient in the continental army. 



CHAPTER IX. 
PENNSYLVANIA. 



William Pexn, the founder of Pennsylvania, was the 
son of Sir VViliiam Penn, an admiral in the British navy. 
In his youth, he joined the quakers, then an obscure and 
persecuted sect. While superintending the settlement of 
New-Jersey, he became acquainted with an extensive 
tract of fertile, unoccupied land lying between the terri- 
tories of the Duke of York and Lord Baltimore. At his 
solicitation, and in recompense for unrequited services 
which his father had rendered the nation, this tract was, 
in 1681, granted to him in full property, and by the king 
called Pennsylvania. 

Desirous of selling his lands and founding a colony, he, 
in a public advertisement, described the country, and set 
forth the advantages which it offered to emigrants. Many 
persons, chiefly quakers, were induced to purchase. The 
fee simple of the soil was sold at the rate of twenty pounds 
for every thousand acres ; and they who rented lands, 
agreed to pay one penny yearly per acre. Before the 
emigrants embarked, certain "conditions and concessions" 
were by them and the proprietor agreed upon and sub- 
scribed. 

In the fall, three ships, carrying settlers, sailed for Penn- 
sylvania. The pious and philanthropic proprietor sent 
a letter to the Indians, informing them that ''the great 
God had been pleased to make him concerned in their 
part of the world, and that the king of the country where 
he lived, had given him a great province therein ; but 
that he did not desire to enjoy it without their consent ; 
that he was a man of peace ; and that the people whonri 
he sent were of the same disposition ; and if any dif- 
ference should happen between them, it might be adjusted 
hy an ecjual number of men chosen on both sides," Th€> 



94 PENNSYLVANIA. 

position selected by these emigrants for a settlement was 
above the confluence of the Delaware and the Schuyl- 
kill. 

In April, 1682, Penn published a Frame of Government, 
the chief object of which was declared to be " to support 
power in reverence with the people, and to secure the 
people from the abuse of power." He published also 
a Body of Laws^ which had been examined and approved 
by the emigrants in England ; and which, says an eminent 
historian, " does great honor to their wisdom as statesmen, 
to their morals as men, and to their spirit as colonists." 
From the Duke of York, he obtained the relinquishment 
of a tract of land, lying on the south side of the Delaware, 
a part of which was already settled, and in '\ugust, accom- 
panied by about two thousand emigrants, set sail for Ame- 
rica. 

He landed first at New-Castle, which was a part of the 
"Territories," as the land conveyed to him by the Duke 
was called. Upon this tract he found about three thou- 
sand Dutch, Swedes, and Finns. He proceeded to Ches- 
ter, where he called an assembly on the fourth of Decem- 
ber. This assembly annexed the Territories to the pro- 
vince, adopted the Frame of Government, ;tnd enacted in 
form the Body of Laws. Penn also made a treaty with the 
Indians, from whom he purchased as much land as the 
circumstances of the colony required. He selected the 
site, and marked out the plan, of an extensive city, to which 
he gave the name of Philadelphia, or the city of love. Be- 
fore the end of the year, it contained eighty houses and 
cottages. 

The settlement of none of the colonies commenced 
under such favorable auspices as that of Pennsylvania. 
The experience of half a century had disclosed the evils 
to be avoided, and pointed out the course to be pursued. 
The Indians, having been already taught to fear the power 
of the whites, were the more easily conciliated by their 
kindness. The soil being fertile, the climate temperate, 
and the game abundant, the first emigrants escaped most 
of the calamities which afflicted the more northern and 
southern provinces. The increase of population exceeded, 
of course; all former example. 



PENNSYLVANIA, 95 

In the new city, a second assembly was held in March, 
1683. At the request of the freemen and delegates, Penn 
granted them a second charter, which diminished the num- 
ber of the council and assembly, and was, in other re- 
spects, different from the first. Some of the regulations, 
at that time adopted, bear the impress of the proprietor's 
singular genius, and benevolent disposition. 

It was ordained '^that, to prevent lawsuits, three arbi- 
trators, to be called peace makers, should be chosen by 
the county courts, to hear and determine small differences 
between man and man : That children should be taught 
some useful trade, to the end that none might be idle, that 
the poor mi^ht work to live, and the rich if they should 
become poor: That factors, wronging their employers, 
should make satisfaction and one third over : That every 
thing, which excites the people to rudeness, cruelty, and 
irreligion, should be discouraged and severely punished : 
That no one, acknowledging one God and living peace- 
ably in society, should bp molested for his opinions or his 
practice, or compelled to frequent or maintain any minis- 
try whatever." 

These judicious regulations attracted numerous emi- 
grants ; and to their salutary influence must be attributed 
the qualities of diligence, order, and economy for which 
the Pennsylvanians are so justly celebrated. Within four 
years from the date of the grant to Penn, the province 
contained twenty settlements, and Philadelphia two thou- 
sand inhabitants. 

In 1684, the proprietor returned to England. He left 
his province in profound tranquillity, under the adminis- 
tration of five commissioners chosen from the council. 
The unfortunate James the Second soon after ascended 
the throne. " As he has," said Penn, " been my friend, 
and my fathers friend, I feel bound injustice to be a 
friend to him." He adhered to him while seated on the 
throne, and for two years after he was expelled from his 
kingdom, the government of the province was administered 
in his name. 

By this display of attachment to the exiled monarch, he 
mcurred the displeasure of king William. On vague sus- 
picion, and unfounded charges, he was four times impri- 
soned. The government of his colony was taken from 



5)6 ^ENNSi'LVANIA. 

him, and given to Col. Fletcher, the governor of NeiiV- 
York. Bui by the severest scrutiny, it was rendered ap- 
parent, that he had, in all his conduct, been actuated as 
much by the love of his country as by personal gratitude. 
He regained the good opinion of king William ; and, being 
permitted to resume and exercise his rights, appointed 
William Markham to be his deputy governor. 

In 1699, he again visited Pennsylvania, and found the 
people discontented. They complained that his powers 
and their rights were not detined with sufficient precision, 
and demanded a new charter. In 1701, he prepared and 
presented one to the assembly, which was accepted. It 
gave to the assembly the right of originating bills, which, 
by the previous charters, was the right of the governor 
alone, and of amending or rejecting those which might be 
laid before them. To the governor it gave the right of 
rejecting bills passed by the assembly, of appointing his 
own council, and of exercising the who'e executive power. 
The Territories, now the state of Delaware, refusing to 
accept the new charter, separated from Pennsylvania, and 
were allowed a distinct assembly. The same governor, 
however, presided over both. 

Immediately after his third charter was accepted, Penn 
returned to England, and the executive authority was 
afterwards administered by deputy governors appointed 
by the proprietor. The people incessantly murmured 
and complained ; but the uninterrupted and unparalleled 
prosperity of the colony demonstrates, that but slight 
causes of complaint existed. That which produced the 
greatest and most constant irritation was the refusal, by 
the deputy governors, to assent to any law imposing taxes 
on the lands of the proprietors, although the sum raised 
was to be expended for the benefit of the whole pro- 
vince. This unwise, and indeed unjust claim, of exemption^ 
©ccasioned greater disgust llian injury, and embittered all 
the enjoyments oflhe inhabitants. 

But these dissentions did not, in the least, retard the 
prosperity of the colony. Nor did any other cause, hav- 
ing that tendency, exist. The upright conduct of Penn, 
in his intercourse with the Indians, was imitated by those 
who came after him ; and, for seventy years, uninterrupted 
harmony existed between them and the whites. In the 



PENNSYLVANIA. 97 

early part of the revolutionary war, the people adopted a 
new constitntion, by which the proprietor was excluded 
from all share in the government. He was offered, and 
finally accepted, the sum of 570,000 dollars, in discharge of 
all quit-rents due from the inhabitants. 



CHAPTER X. 
MARYLAND. 



During the reign of James the first, the laws against 
Roman CathoUcs were severe and the popular hatred was 
inveterate. Lord Baltimore, a distinguished member of 
that sect, resolved, in consequence, to remove from Eng- 
land to Virginia, believing that he might there enjoy his 
religious opinions, without violating the laws or incurring 
reproach. But the people among whom he came to re- 
side, were almost as intolerant as those he had left, and he 
soon found it necessary to seek some other asylum. 

Having ascertained that the territory on both sides of 
Chesapeake bay, was inhabited only by the natives, he 
conceived the project of planting there a colony for him- 
self, and for all who might wish to retire from religious 
persecution. He explored the country, returned to Eng- 
land, obtained the assent of king Charles the first to a 
grant of territory, but di'^^d before the requisite formalities 
were completed. 

Cecil, his eldest son, and heir to his estate and title, ob- 
tained for himself the grant intended for his father. To 
the new colony the name of Maryland was given, in honor 
of Henrietta Maria, the royal consort of Charles. The 
land conveyed being within the boundaries of Virginia, the 
planters in that province remonstrated against the grant. 
The king refusing to rescind it, Lord Baltimore made pre- 
parations to commence a settlement. He appointed his 
brother, Leonard Calvert, governor ; who, near the close 
of the year 1633, sailed for America, accompanied by 
about two hundred emigrants, mostly Roman Catholics. 

They arrived in February, 1634, at the mouth of the 
river Potomac. At a conference with the Indians who 
dwelt on the shore, they purchased Yoamaco, a consider* 
able yillagej the site of which St. Mary's now occupies. 



100 MARYLAND. 

By this measure, wise as well as just, the rightful pra- 
prietors of the soil were satisfied, convenient habitations 
and some cultivated land were obtained, and the first set- 
tlers were of course exempted from the miseries of famine, 
and from the diseases which it produces. 

Other circumstances favored the rapid population of 
the colony. The charter granted more ample privileges 
than had ever been conceded to a subject ; the country 
was inviting ; the natives were friendly ; from the south 
churchmen drove puritans, from the north puritans drove 
churchmen, into her borders, where ail were freely re- 
ceived, protected, and cherished. 

The charter granted to the inhabitants the privilege of 
passing laws either by themselves or representatives, 
without reserving to the crown, as had been done in all 
previous charters, the right to reject the laws so passed. 
At first, when the freemen were few in numlter, each at- 
tended in person, or authorized some other freeman, who 
chose to attend, to vote and act in his stead. The in- 
crease of population soon rendered it necessary to adopt 
a different mode of legislation. In 1639, an act was passed, 
constituting a " house of assembly," to be composed of 
such as should be chosen by the people, of such as should 
be summoned or appointed by the proprietor, and of the 
governor and secretary. These were to sit together, and 
the laws which they should enact were to possess the same 
validity, as though the proprietors and all the people had 
concurred in enacting them. 

In 1650, a second alteration was made. The legislative 
body was divided into two branches, the delegates choseti 
by the people constituting the lower house, and the per- 
sons summoned by the proprietors, the upper house. It 
ought to be stated, for the honor of Lord Baltimore and his 
associates, that, while the catholics retained ihe ascenden- 
cy in the province, the assembly passed no law abridging 
the liberty of conscience. 

But this colony, as well as all the others, in the early 
period of their existence, was afflicted with intestine 
troubles. They were principally caused by one WiU 
liam Clayborne. While a member of the Virginia council 
he had obtained a license from the king, to traffic in thosa 
parts of America where no other person enjoyed the ei^. 



MARYLAND. 101 

elusive right of trade. Under this license, he had made a 
small settlement on the island of Kent, and, when the grant 
was made to Lord Baltimore, refused to submit to his 
authority. He persuaded the natives that the *' new 
comers" were Spaniards, and enemies to the Virginians. 
An Indian war was the consequence, which continued 
several years, and was productive of considerable dis- 
tress. 

Clayborne was indicted and convicted of murder, piracy, 
and sedition ; and fleeing from justice, his estate was con- 
iiscated. He appHed to the king for redress, but after a 
full hearing, was dismissed without obtaining any order in 
his favor. When the civil war, between the king and par- 
liament, began, he embraced the cause of the latter, re- 
turned to Maryland, and, by his intrigues fomented, in 
1645, a rebellion against its rulers, who were attached to 
the royal cause. Calvert, the governor, was compelled 
to fly to Virginia, and the insurgents seized the reins of 
government. The next year, however, the revolt was 
suppressed and tranquility restored. 

But after the parHament had triumphed over the king, 
they appointed commissioners for " reducing and govern- 
ing the colonies within the bay of Chesapeake." Among 
these was Clayborne, the evil genius of Maryland. The 
proprietor, consenting to acknowledge the authority of 
parliament, was permitted to retain his station, but was 
enable to preserve tranquility. The distractions of Eng- 
land, finding their way into the colony, occasioned a civil 
war, which ended in the discomfiture of the governor and 
Roman Catholics. 

The next assembly, which was entirely under the in- 
Jluence of the victorious party, ordained that persons pro- 
fessing the Catholic religion should not be considered with- 
in the protection of the laws. Thus were they ungrate- 
fully persecuted by men whom they had taken to their 
bosom, and in a colony which they had founded. Laws 
unfavorable to the quakers were also enacted, and here, 
as in England, the upper house was voted to be useless. 
At the restoration, in 1660, Philip Calvert was appointed 
governor, and the ancient order of things restored. The ^ 
colony then contained about twelve thousand inhabitants, 

9* 



102 MAKYLAHtf, 

In 1676, died Cecil, Lord Baltimore, the father of tiw 
province. For more than forty years, he had directed its 
affairs as proprietor, and displayed, in all his conduct, a 
benevolent heart and enlightened understanding. Al- 
though he lived in an age of bigotry, he was liberal in his 
opinions ; and for all his exertions to contribute to the 
happiness of his fellow beings, he desired no reward but 
their gratitude. This reward he received. The records 
of the Maryland assembly contain frequent memorials of 
the respect and affection of the people. He was suc- 
ceeded, as proprietor, by his eldest son, Charles, who had, 
for several years, been governor of the colony, and dis- 
played the same amiable qualities which had rendered his 
father respected and beloved. 

In the year 1689, the epoch of the revolution in Eng- 
land, the repose of Maryland was again disturbed. A ru- 
mor was artfully circulated, that the Catholics had leagued 
with the Indians to destroy all the Protestants in the pro- 
vince. An armed association was immediately formed, 
for the defence of the Protestant religion, and for assert- 
ing the rights of king William and queen Mary. The ma- 
gistrates attempted to oppose by force this association ; 
but, meeting with few supporters, were compelled to ab- 
dicate the government. 

King William directed those who had assumed the su- 
preme authority to exercise it in his name ; and for twenty- 
seven years the crown retained the entire control of the 
province. In f716, the proprietor was restored to his 
rights ; and he and his descendants continued to enjoy 
them until the commencement of the revolution. The 
people then assumed the government, adopted a constitu- 
tion, and refused to admit the claims of Lord Baltimore t© 
jurisdiction or property. 



CHAPTER Xi. 
NORTH CAROLINA 



In 1G30, Charles the first granted to Sir Robert Heath 
all the territory between the 30th and 36th degrees of 
north latitude, and extending from the Atlantic ocean to 
the South sea, by the name of Carolina. Under this 
grant, no settlement was made. Between 1640 and 1650. 
persons suffering from religious intolerance in Virginia, 
fled beyond her limits, and, without license from any 
source, occupied that portion of North Carolina, north of 
Albemarle sound. They found the winters mild and the 
soil fertile. As their cattle and swine procured their own 
support in the woods and mnltipl'ed fast, they were ena- 
bled, witli little labor, to live ii. the enjoyment of abun- 
dance. Their number was annually augmented; they 
acknowledged no superior upon earth, and obeyed no laws 
but those of God and nature. 

In 1661, another settlement was made, near the mouth 
of Clarendon river, by adventurers from Massachusetts. 
The land being sterile and the Indians hostile, they, in 
1663, abandoned it. Immediately afterwards, their place 
was supplied by emigrants from Batbadoes, who invested 
Sir John Yeomans with the authority of governor. 

Sir Robert Heath having neglected to comply with the 
conditions of his patent, the king, in 1663, granted the 
&ame territory to Lord Clarendon and seven others, and 
invested them with ample powers of government orer 
those who should inhabit it. To encourage emigration, 
they gave public assurances, that all who might remove t® 
their territory, should enjoy unrestricted religious liberty, 
and be governed by a free assembly. The settlers on 
Albemarle sound were, on certain conditions, allowed ib 
retain their lands. A government over them was orga- 
nized, at the head of which a Mi^. Drumraond was placed. 
With the regulations imposed, they were dissatisfied, and 



104 NORTH CAROLINA. 

revolted; but their grievances were redressed, tnd, in 
1668, they returned to their duty. 

At the request of the proprietors, the celebrated John 
Locke, whose pohtical writings were then much read and 
admired, prepared for the colony a constitution of govern- 
ment. It provided that a chief officer, to be called the 
palatine, and to hold his office during lite, should be elect- 
ed from among the proprietors ; that a hereditary nobility, 
lo be called landgraves and caziques, should be created ; 
and that, once in two years, representatives should be 
chosen by the freeholders. All these, with the proprie- 
tors or their deputies, were to meet in one assembly, 
which was to be called the parliament, and over which the 
palatine was to preside. The parliament could deliberate 
and decide only upon p^ropositions, laid before it by a grand 
council composed of the palatine, nobility, and deputies of 
the proprietors. 

This constitution, however wise it might seem to Eng- 
lish politicians, was not adapted to. the sentiments and ha- 
bits of the people for whom it was prepr.red. Its aristo- 
cratic features displeased them. The measures adopted 
to introduce and enforce it, produced, in connection with 
other causes, an insurrection, in the progress of which 
the palatine, and the deputies were seized and imprisoned. 
Application was made to Virginia for assistance in restor- 
ing order ; but the fear of punishment induced the insur- 
gents to submit, before an armed force could be arrayed 
against them. 

In 1670, William Sayle, under the direction of the pro- 
prietors, made a settlement at Port Royal, within the Hmits 
of South Carolina. The next year, dissatisfied with this 
station, he removed his colony northward, to a neck of land 
between Ashley and Cooper rivers, where he laid out a 
town, which, in honor of the king then reigning, he called 
Charleston. Dying soon after. Sir John Yeomans, who 
had, for several years, been governor at Clarendon, was 
appointed to succeed him. This new settlement attracted 
at first many inhabitants from that at Clarendon, and at 
length entirely exhausted it. Being remote from Albe- 
marle, the proprietors established a separate government 
<over it, and hence arose the distinctive appellations of 
North and South Carolina. 



NORTH CAROLINA. 



105 



The prosperity of the northern colony was retarded 
by domestic dissentions. To allay them, Seth Sothel, 
one of the proprietors, was appointed chief magistrate. 
His conduct, far from restoring quiet and contentment, in- 
creased the disorders which had before prevailed. He is 
represented as the most corrupt and rapacious of colonial 
governors. He plundered the innocent and received 
bribes from felons. For six years, the inhabitants en- 
dured his injustice and oppression. They then seized 
him, with a view of sending him to England for trial. At 
his request, he was detained and tried by the assembly, 
who banished him from the colony. 

His successor was Phihp Ludwell, of Virginia, and to 
him succeeded John Archdale, who was a qnaker and one 
of the proprietors. Both were popular governors ; under 
their administration, the colony prospered and the people 
were happy. In 1693, at the request of the Carolinians, 
the constitution of Locke was abrogated by the proprietors, 
and each colony was afterwards ruled by a governor,, 
council, and house of representatives. 

In 1707, a company of French protestants arrived and 
seated tliemselves on the river 1 rent, a branch of the 
Neuse. In 17U), a large number of Palatines, fleeing 
from religious persecution in Germany, sought refuge in 
the same part of the province. To each of these, the 
proprietors granted one hundred acres ^f land. The}'' 
Jived happy, for a few years, in the enjoyment of liberty 
of conscience, and in the prospect of competence and 
ease. 

But suddenly a terrible calamity fell upon them. The 
Tuscarora and Coree Indians, smarting under recent in- 
juries, and dreading total extinction from the encroach- 
ment of these strangers, plotted, with characteristic se- 
crecy, their entire destruction. Sending their f smilies to 
one of their fortitied towns, twelve hundred bowmen sal- 
lied forth, and, in the same night, attacked^ in separate 
parties, the nearest settlements of the Palatines. Men, 
women, and children were indiscriminately butchered. 
The savages, with the swiftness and ferocity of wolves, 
ran from village to village. Before them, was the repose; 
of ipnocence j behind, the sleep of death, A few, escaj>» 



106 NORTH CAROLINA. 

ing, alarmed the settlements more remote, and hastened 
to South Carolina for assistance. 

Governor Craven immediately despatched, to the aid of 
the sister colony, nearly a thousand men, under the com- 
mand of Colonel Barnwell After a fatiguinji; march 
through a hideous wilderness, they met the enemy, at- 
tacked, defeated, and pursued them to their fortitied town, 
which was immediately besieged. In a few days, peace, 
at their solicitation, was concluded, and Colonel Barnwell 
returned to South Carolina. 

The j)eace was short, and upon the recommencement of 
hostilities, assistance was again solicited from the southern 
colony. Colonel James Moore, an active young officer, 
was immediately despatched, with forty white men and 
eight hundred friendly Indians. He found the enemy in a 
fort near Cotechny river. After a seige, which v ontinued 
more than a week, the fort was taken and eight hundred 
Indians made prisoners. The Tuscaroras, disheartened 
by this deteal, migrated, in 1713, to the north, and joined 
the celebrated confederacy, denominated the Five Na- 
tions. The others sued for peace, and aftervvnrds con- 
tinued friendly. 

Until 1729. the two Carolinas, though distinct for 
many purposes, remained under the superintendence and 
control of the same proprietors. Neither had heeu pros- 
perous ; and the interests of the governors and oroverned 
being apparently adverse to each other, the latier became 
discontented and refractory. They complained to the 
king, who directed inquiry to be made in his courts. 
The charter wliich he had granted was declared forfeited, 
and over each colony, royal governments, entirely uncon- 
nected with each other, were established. 

Soon ifter this event, the soil in the interior of North 
Carolina wns f)und to be superior in fertility to that on 
the sea coast. The settlements, consequently, advanced 
rapidly into the wilderness. From the northern colonies, 
particularly Pennsylvania, multitudes were allured to this 
region by the mildness of the climate, and by the facility 
of obtaining in abundance all the necessaries of life. At 
peace with the Indians, and fortunate in her governors, the 
colony continued to prosper until the commencement of 
the troubles which preceded the revolution, 



CHAPTER XII. 
SOUTH CAROLINA. 



This colony, and that of North Carolina, were, as has al- 
ready been stated, included in the same charter. In 1^70, 
governor Sayle made, at Port Royal, the first permanent 
settlement within its limits. The next year, he founded Old 
Charleston, on the banks of the river Ashley. In 1684, all 
the freemen, meeting at this place, elected representatives 
to sit in the colonial parliament, according to the provisions 
of the constitution prepared by Mr. Locke. 

Several circumstances contributed to promote the settle- 
ment of this colony. The conquest of New-York induced 
many of the Dutch to resort to it. From England, puritans 
came to avoid the profanity and licentiousness which dis- 
graced the court of Charles the second ; and cavaliers, to 
retrieve their fortunes, exhausted by the civil wars. The 
arbitrary measures of Louis XIV., drove many French 
protestants into exile, some of whom crossed the Atlantic 
and settled in Carolina. Many of these exiles were rich; 
all were industrious, and by their exemplary demeanor gain- 
ed the good will of the proprietors. 

The situation of Charleston being found inconvenient, 
the inhabitants, in 1680, removed to Oyster Point, where 
a new city was laid out, to which the name of the other was 
given. In the sameyear, commenced a war with the Wes- 
toes, a powerful tribe of Indians, which threatened great 
injury to the colony. Peace, however, was soon restored. 
In 1690, Seth Sothel, one of the proprietors, having, for 
corrupt conduct, been driven from .Vorth-Carolina, appear- 
ed suddenly at Charleston, and, aided by a powerful faction, 
assumed the reins of government. Two years afterwards 
he was removed from office. 

The proprietors, having observed the good conduct of 
the French protestants, directed the governor to permit 



108 SOUTH CAROLINA. 

them to elect representatives, a privilege which they had 
never yet exercised. The EngHsh Episcopalians, unwilling 
that any of their hereditary enemies, who did not belong 
to their church, should be associated with themselves in 
the enjoyment of the rights of freemen, were exasperated, 
and opposed the concession with great clamor and zeal. 
They even went farther. Warmed by opposition, they pro- 
posed to enforce, with respect to them, the laws of Eng- 
land against foreigners, insisting that they could not legally 
possess real estate in the colony. They also declared that 
their marriages, being solemnized by French ministers, 
were void, and that the children could not inherit the pro- 
perty of their fathers. By the display of a spirit so illiberal 
and unchristian, these strangers were alarmed and discou- 
raged. They knew not for whom they labored. But, coun- 
tenanced by the governor, they remained in the colony, 
and, for the present, withdrew their claim to the right of 
suffrage. 

Yet the ferment did not subside on the removal of the 
cause which produced it. Such was the general turbulence 
and disorder, the people complaining of their rulers and 
quarrelling among themselves, that, in 1695, John Arch- 
dale was sent over, as governor of both Carolinas, and in- 
vested with full power to redress all grievances. He suc- 
ceeded in restoring order, but found the antipathy against 
the unfortunate exiles too great to be encountered, with 
any hope of success, until softened by time and their amia- 
ble deportment. These produced the effects which he an- 
ticipated. In a few years, the French protestants were ad- 
mitted, by the general assembly, to all the rights of citizens 
and freemen. 

Although the proprietors, by the regulations which were 
in force before the constitution of Locke whs adopted, and 
which were restored upon its abrogation, had stipulated, 
that libert}' of conscience should be universally enjoyed; 
yet one of them. Lord Granville, a bigoted churchman, and 
James Moore, the governor, resolved to effect, if possible, 
the establishment, in the colony, of the Episcopal religion. 
They knew that a majority of the people were dissenters, 
and that by art and intrigue only, could their design be ac- 
complished. The governor, who was avaricious and venal, 
became the t«ol of Granville. He interfered in the elec- 



SOUTH CAROLINA. 109 

lions, and, by bribing the voters, succeeded in procuring a 
majority in the assembly who would be subservient to his 
wishes, 

A law was passed, establishing the episcopal religion, 
and excluding dissenters from a seat in the assembly. It 
was laid before the proprietors, without whose sanction it 
could not possess permanent validity. Arohdale, who had 
returned to England, opposed it with ability and spirit. He 
insisted that good faith, policy, interest, even piety, con- 
curred to dictate its rejection. But Lord Granville declared 
himself in favor of it, and it received confirmation. 

The dissenters saw themselves at once deprived of those 
privileges for which they had abandoned their native coun- 
try, and encountered the dangers and hardships of the 
ocean and a wilderness. Some prepared to leave the colony 
and settle in Pennsylvania. Others proposed that a remon- 
strance against the lavv should first be presented to the 
house of lords, and this measure was adopted. The lords 
expressed, by a vote, their disapprobation of the lavv, and 
upon their solicitation, queen Anne declared it void. Sooa 
after, Lord Granville died, and, controlled by more liberal 
councils, the colony again enjoyed the blessings of domes- 
tic quiet- 
In 1702, war then existing between England and Spain, 
governor Moore, thirsting for Spanish plunder, led an ex- 
pedition against St. Augustine. It was badly planned, worse 
executed, and failed. Returning from defeat abroad, he 
met, at home, the reproaches of his people. To silence 
these, he marched at die head of a body of troops, against 
the Apalachian Indians, who had become insolent and hos- 
tile. In this expedition he was successful, taking many pri- 
soners, and laying their towns in ashes. By his victories 
over the savages, he retrieved his character; and, by sell- 
ing the prisoners as slives, obtained what he most coveted, 
considerable personal emolument. 

In 1706, the Spaniards, from Florida, invaded Carolina. 
The governor, NathanielJohnson, having received intima- 
tion of their approach, erected fortifications and made ar- 
rangements to obtain, on short warning, the assistance of 
the militia. When the enemy's fleet appeared before 
Charleston, the whole strength of the colony was summon- 
ed to defend it. A force so formidable, ensured its safety. 

10 



no SOUTH CAROLINA, 

After burning a few detatched buildings, the enemy retired 
without inflicting other injury. One of their ships, having 
ninety men on board, was captured by the Carolinians, 

In 1715, after several years of profound peace, an Indiae 
war broke out. All the tribes, from Florida to cape Fear^ 
had been long engaged in a conspiracy to extirpate the 
whites. In the morning of the ISthof April, the first blow 
was struck. At Pocataligo, and the settlements around Port 
Royal, ninety persons were massacred. The inhabitants 
of the latter place escaped, by embarking precipitately or 
board a vessel, which was then in the harbor, and sailing di' 
rectly to Charleston, 

This massacre was perpetrated by the southern Indians, 
The northern, at the same time, attacked the settlements 
near them. Many of the inhabitants were killed, and many 
fled to Charleston. At a plantation on Goose creek, seventy 
whites, and forty faithful negroes, being protected by a 
breast work, determined to maintain their post. On the 
first attack, their courage failed, and they agreed to sur- 
render. The instant they were in the power of the enemy, 
all were barbarously murdered. 

.Governor Craven, at the head of twelve hundred men. 
inarched against the savages. He discovered in the wil- 
, derness several small parties, who fled before him. At Sal- 
teatchers. he found them all assembled, and there an ob- 
stinate and bloody battle was fought. The whites were vic- 
torious, driving the enemy before them, and compelling 
them to leave the province. Most of them fled to Florida^ 
where they were received in the most friendl}' manner by 
the Spaniards. 

In this short war, four hundred whites were killed, pro- 
perty of great value destroyed, and a large debt contract- 
ed. The proprietors, thoush earnestly solicited, refusetl 
to afford any relief, or to pay any portion of the debt. The 
assembly determined to remunerate the colony, by dis- 
posing of the land from which the Indians had been driven. 
The terms offered were so favorable, that five hundred 
Irishmen immediately came over, and planted themselves 
on the frontiers. 

The proprietors, refusing to sanction the proceedings of 
the assembly, deprived these emigrants of their lands. Some 
reduced to extreme poverty, perished from want, others 



SOUTH CAROLINA. Ill 

resorted to the northern colonies. A strong barrier be- 
tween the old settlements and the savages, was thus re- 
moved, and the country again exposed to their incursions. 
The people were exasperated, and longed for a change of 
masters. 

The corrupt and oppressive conduct of Trott, the chief- 
justice, and Rhett, the receiver-general, increased the dis- 
content. Of the former, the governor and council com- 
plained to the proprietors, and solicited his recall. Instead 
of removing him, they thanked him for his services, and 
removed the governor and council. With the governor 
next appointed, though a man generally beloved, the as- 
sembly refused to have any concern or intercourse. They 
drew up articles of impeachment against Trott, accusing 
him of corruption and gross misconduct, and sent an agent 
to England, to maintain their accusation before the proprie- 
tors. He was nevertheless continued in office. 

The patience of the people was exhausted, and they 
waited only for a favorable opportunity to throw off their 
oppressive yoke. In 1719, at a general review of the mi- 
litia at Charleston, occasioned by a threatened invasion of 
the colony, from Florida, the officers and soldiers bound 
ihemselvets, by a solemn compact, to support each other in 
resisting the tyranny of the proprietors ; and the assembly, 
^vhich was then in session, requested the govenior, by a re- 
spectful address, to consent to administer the government 
an the name of the king. 

He refused, and, by proclamation, dissolved the assem- 
bly* The members immediately met, as a convention, and 
elected colonel James Moore their governor. He iras a 
bold man, and exceedingly well qualitied for a popular lead- 
€r, in a turbulent season. He accepted the appointment, 
and, assisted by the convention, and supported by the peo- 
ple, administered the afftiirs of the eoiony. 

The conduct of the proprietors and people was brought 
fjefore his majesty in council. After a full hearing, it was 
4ilecided, that both colonies should be taken under the pro- 
tection of the crown. Several years afterwards, seven of 
the proprietors sold to the king their claim to the soil and 
rents, and all assigned to him their right of jurisdiction* 
The government was subsequently administered by execU" 
ii¥e ©iScerSj appointed by the crown, and by assemblies, 



112 SOUTH CAROLINAr 

chosen by the people, and under their control the colonj' 
prospered. 

In 1738, occurred an alarming insurrection of the ne- 
groes. A number of them assembled at Stono, surprised 
and killed two men who had charge of a ware-house, from 
which they took guns and ammunition. They then chose 
a captain, and, with drums beatingand colors flying, marched 
southwestward. They burned every house on their way, 
killed all the whites they could find, and compelled rther 
negroes to join them. 

Governor Bull, who was returning to Charleston, from 
the southward, accidentally met them, hastened outof thfir 
way, and spread an alarm. The news soon reached VVil- 
town, where, fortunately, a large congregation were attend- 
ing divine service. The men having, according to a law 
of the province, brouisht their arms to the place of wor- 
ship, marched instantly in quest of the negroes, who, by 
this time, had become formidable, and spread terror and 
desolation around them. 

While, in an open field, they were carousing and dancing,, 
with frantic exultation at their late success, they were sud- 
denly attacked by the whites. Some were killed, the re- 
mainder fled. Most of the fugitives were taken and tried. 
They who had been compelled to join the conspirators, 
were pardoned ; but all the leaders and fir^t insurgents suf- 
fered death. About twenty whites were murdered. 

From this period until the era of the revolution, no im- 
portant event occurred in the colony. It was sometimes 
distressed by Indian wars ; but the number of inhabitants 
and the means of subsistence and comfort, were constantl}" 
incre "sing. Emigrants came principally from the northern 
colonies ; but often large bodies of protestants arrived frota 
Europe ; in one year, 1752, the number who came ex.- 
needed sixteen hundred. 



CHAPTER XIIL 



GEORGIA, 



Upon the southern part of the territory included in the 
Carolina charter, no settlement was made, until several 
years after that charter was forfeited. In June 1732, seve- 
ral benevolent gentlemen, in England, concerted a project 
for planting a colony in that unoccupied region. Their 
principal object was to relieve, by transporting thither, the 
indigent subjects of Great Britain ; but their plan of be- 
nevolence embraced also the persecuted protestants of all 
nations. 

To a project springing from motives so noble and disin- 
terested, the people and the government extended their en- 
couragement and patronage. A patent was granted by the 
king, conveying to twenty-one trustees the territory now 
constituting the state of Georgia, which was to be appor- 
tioned gratuitously among the settlers ; and liberal dona- 
tions were made by the charitable, to defray the expense 
of transporting them across the Atlantic, and of providing 
for their support the first season. 

The concerns of the colony were managed by the trus- 
tees, who freely devoted much of their time to the under- 
taking. Among other regulations, they provided, that the 
lands should not be sold nor devised by the owners, but 
■fhould descend to the male children only ; they forbade the 
nse of rum in the colony, and strictly prohibited the im- 
portation of negroes. But none of these regulations re- 
mained long in force. 

In November, 1732, one hundred and thirteen emigrants 
embarked for Georgia, at the head of whom the trustees 
had placed. Tames Oglethorpe, a zealous and active promoter 
of this scheme of benevolence. In January, they arrived 
at Charleston ; and the Carolinians, sensible of the advan- 
tage of ha^g a barrier between them and the southern In 

10* 



114 GEORGIi, 

dians, gave the adventurers a cordial welcome. They stip-- 
plied them with provisions, and with boats to convey theiir 
to the place of their destination. Tamacraw bluff, since 
called Savannah, was selected as the most eligible place for 
a settlement. 

The next year, five or six hundred poor persons arrived^ 
and to each a portion of the wilderness was assigned. Bui 
it was soon found that these emigrants, who were the refuse 
of cities, had been rendered poor by idleness, and irreso- 
lute by poverty, were not titted to fill the mighty groves of 
Georgia. A race more hardy and enterprising, was neces- 
sary. The trustees, therefore, offered to receive, al-o, such 
as had not, by persecution or poverty, been rendered ob- 
jects of compassion, and to grant to all who should repair 
to the colony, fifty acres of land. In consequence of this 
offer, more than four hundred persons, from Germany, 
Scotland, and Switzerland, arrived in the year 1736. The 
Germans settled at Ebenezer, the Scotch ;it New-InvernesSj 
now Darien. 

In 1736, John Wesley, a celebrated methodi?t, made a 
visit to Georgia, for the purpose of preaching to the colo- 
nists, and converting the Indians. Among the former, he 
made some proselytes, but more enemies. He was accused 
of diverting the people from labor, of fomenting divisions- 
of claiming and exercising high and unwarranted ecclesias- 
tical authority. His conduct towards the niece of one of 
the principal settlers, was highly resented by her friends. 
Thirteen indictments for alleged offences, were found 
against him ; but before the time of trial, he returned to 
England, and there, for many years, pursued a successful 
and distinguished career of piety and usefulness. 

Two years afterwards, George Whitefield, another and 
more celebrated methodist, arrived in the colony. He had 
already made himself conspicuous in England, by his nu- 
merous eccentricities, his ardent piety, his extraordinary 
eloquence, his zeal and activity in propagating his opinions- 
He came to Georgia for the benevolent purpose of estab- 
lishing an orphan house, where poor children might be fed, 
clothed, and educated in the knowledge of Christianity. In 
prosecution of this purpose, he often crossed the Atlantic, 
and traversed Great Britain and America, soliciting aid from 
the pious and charitable. Wherever he went, h^reached, 



qeorgiaj 115 

wilh Sincerity and fervor; his peculiar doctrines, making 
proselytes of most who heard him, and founding a sect 
which has since become numerous and respectable. His 
orphan house, during his life, did not flourish, and after his 
death, was entirely abandoned. 

In 1740, the trustees rendered an account of their ad- 
ministration. At that time, two thousand four hundred and 
ninety-eight emigrants had arrived in the colony. Of these, 
fifteen hundred and twenty-one were indigent Englishmen, 
or persecuted protestants. The benefactions, from govern- 
ment and from individuals, had been nearly half a million 
of dollars; and it was computed that, for every persor* 
transported and maintained by the trustees, more than three 
hundred dollars had been expended. 

The hope which the trustees had cherished, that the 
colony, planted at such vast expense, would be jrosperous, 
and the object of their benevolence happy, were complete- 
ly disappointed. Such was the character of the greater 
part of the settlers, and such the restrictions imposed, that 
the plantations languished and continued to require the 
contributions of the charitable. 

War having been declared against Spain, Mr. Oglethorpe 
was promoted to the rank of general in the British army, 
and at tlie head of two thousand men, partly from Virginia 
and the Carolinas undertook an expedition against Florida. 
He took two Spanish forts and besieged St. Augustine ; but 
encountering an obstinate resistance, was compelled to re- 
turn unsuccessful to Georgia. 

Two years afterwards the Spaniards, in retaliation, pre- 
pared to invade Georgia ; and they intended, if successful 
there, to subjugate the Carolinas and Virginia. On receiving 
information of their approach, general Oglethorpe solicited 
assistance from South Carolina. But the inhabitants of that 
colony, entertaining a strong prejudice against him, in con- 
j-equence of his late defeat, and terrified by the danger 
which threatened themselves, determined to provide only 
for their own safet}'. 

Meanwhile general Oglethorpe made preparations for a 
vio:orous defence. He assembled seven hundred men ex- 
elusive of a body of Indians, fixed his head quarters at Fre- 
derica, on the island of St. Simon, and with this small band, 
determined to encounter whatever force might be brought 



!16 GEORGIA, 

against him. It was his utmost hope that he might be able 
to resist the enemy until a reinforcement should arrive from 
Carolina, which he daily and anxiously expected. 

On the last of June, the Spanish fleet, consisting of thirty^ 
two sail, and having on board more than three thousand 
men, came to anchor off St. Simon's bay. Notwithstanding 
all the resistance which General Oglethorpe could oppose, 
they sailed up the river Alatamaba, landed upon the island, 
and there erected fortifications. 

General Oglethorpe, convuiced that his small force, if 
divided, must be entirely inefficient, assembled the whole 
of it at F'rederica. One portion he employed in strength- 
ening his fortifications ; the Highlanders and Indians, rang- 
ing night and day through the woods, often attacked the 
out-posts of the enemy. The toil of the troops was inces- 
sant ; and the long delay of the expected succors, so cruel- 
ly withheld by South-Carolina, caused the most gloomy 
and depressing apprehensions. 

Learning that the Spanish army occupied tvvo distinct 
positions, Oglethorpe conceived the project of attacking 
one by surprise. He selected the br ivest of his little army, 
and in the night marched, entirely unobserved, to within 
two miles of the camp which he intended to assail. Direct- 
ing his troops to halt, he advanced, at the head of a small 
body, to reconnoitre the enemy. While thus employed, a 
French soldier of his party, firing his musket, deserted to 
the Spaniards. Discovery destroying all hope of success, 
the general immediately returned to Frederica. He was 
not only chagrined at this occurrence, but apprehended in- 
stant danger from the disclosure which the deserter would 
doubtless make of his weakness. 

In this embarassment, he devised an expedient which 
was attended with the most happy success. He wrote a 
letter to the deserter, instructing him to acquaint the Spa- 
niards with the defenceless state of Frederica, to urge (hem 
to attack the place, and if he could not succeed, to persuade 
them to remain three days longer on the island ; for within 
(hat time, according to late advices from Carolina, he should 
receive a reinforcement of two thousand men and six ships 
«f war. He cautioned him against dropping any hint of the 
attack meditated, by admiral Vernon, upon St. Augustine, 
and assured him that the reward for his services should be 
ample. 



GEORGIA. 117 

For a small bribe, a soldier who had been made prison- 
er in one of the numerous skirmishes, engaged to deliver 
this letter to the deserter, and was then set at liberty. As 
was foreseen, he carried it directly to the Spanish general, 
who immediately suspected the deserter to be a spy from 
the English camp, and ordered him to be put in irons. But 
although his suspicions were awakened, he was yet uncer- 
tain whether the whole might not be a stratagem of his 
antagonist. 

While hesitating what to believe three small vessels of 
war appeared off the coast. Supposing they brougl.r ihte 
reinforcements alluded to in the letter to the deserter, he 
liesitated no longer, but determimed to make a vigorous at- 
tack upon the English, before these reinforcements could 
arrive and be brought into action. 

General Oglethorpe, by mere accident, obtained inigr- 
mation of their design. A ssmall par-^y was instantly placed 
in fvpbuscade, the Spaniards advanced near the.n, halted to 
rest, and laid aside their arms. A sudden and well direct- 
ed tire, killing many, threvv the enemy into confusion. Af- 
ter a few more discharges, they fled to their fortifications, 
which they demolished, and, hastily embarking, made eve- 
ry possible effort to escape from the reinforcements that 
were supposed to be approarhing. 

Thus was Georgia, with triflmg loss, delivered from the 
most imminent danger. General Oglethorpe not only re- 
trieved, but exalted his reputation. From the Carolinians, 
grateful for their preservation, and from the governors of 
most of the northern colonies, he received cordial con- 
gratulations upon his address and good fortune. And so 
mortified were the Spaniards at the result of the expedition, 
that the commander, on his return, was arrested, tried, and 
cashiered for misconduct. 

But the prosperity of the colony was retarded by these 
disturbances. For ten years longer, it remained under the 
management of the trustees, who, embarrassing it by too 
much regulation, discouraged the emigrants and checked 
its growth. At length, disappointed in their hopes, and 
%vearied by complaints, they surrendered their charter to 
the crown ; and, in 1754, a royal government was estab- 
lished over the colony. 

New regulations being adopted, Georgia began to flou^ 



lis GEORGIA. 

rish. Among her governors, James Wright deserves ho- 
norable notice for his wisdom in discerning, and his zeal in 
pursuing her true interests. The cultivation of rice and 
indigo, was prosecuted with augmented industry, skill, and 
profit ; and in every succeeding year, an increased amount 
of these staple commodities was exported to the mother 
country. The Florida Indians were sometimes trouble- 
some, but were as often chastised and compelled to sue foi 
peace. 



CHAPTER XiV. 
FRENCH WAR OF 1756-63. 



The treaty of Aix la Chapelle concluded in 1748, be- 
tween England and France, retored tranquillity to America. 
At this period, the number of inhabitants in the thirteen 
colonies was about one million one hundred thousand. The 
English settlements had not advanced far into the wilder- 
ness, but extended along the ocean from New-Foundland to 
Florida. Those of the French, at the north, reached from 
the mouth of the St. Lawrence to Montreal ; and they had 
built forts and trading houses on lake Ontario. At the 
south, they had planted New-Orleans, and having disco- 
vered the river Missisippi, they claimed the fertile and 
delightful 'Valley through which it runs, and the whole 
country watered by its tributary streams. 

They at length determined to connect their northern 
and southern settlements by a chnin of posts extending 
along the frontiers of the English, from lake Ontario to 
the Ohio, and down that river and the Missisippi to New- 
Orleans. While they were intent on this project, a com- 
pany of English traders, having obtained from the king a 
grant of land, established trading houses on the banks of 
the Ohio. 

The French seized som6 of these traders and conveyed 
them prisoners to Canada. The company complained to 
governor Dinwiddie, of Virginia. The land having beca 
granted as a part of that colony, he determined to send u 
messenger to the commander of the French forces on the 
Ohio, and require him to withdraw his troops. For this 
mission he selected George Washington, who was then 
twenty-one years of age and who afterwards bfjcame illus- 
trious in the annals of his country. 



116 FRENCH WAR OP 1756~6S* 

To the letter of Dinwiddie, the French commander re- 
plied, that he had taken possession of the country in pur- 
suance of directions from his general, then in Canada, to 
whom he would transmit the letter, and whose orders he 
should implicitly obey. This reply not bemg satisfactory 
to the governor, preparations were made in Virginia, to 
maintain by force the rights of the British crown. Troops, 
constituting a regiment, were raised, th6 command of 
whom, on the death of the colonel first appointed, was 
given to Mr. Washington. 

At the head of about four hundred men, he advanced, 
early in the spring, into the territory in dispute. On his 
route, he met, attacked, and defeated, a French party un- 
der the v^ommand of one Dyonville, who approached him 
in a manner indicating hostile intentions. He proceeded 
towards fort Du Q,uene, situated at the junction of the 
Allegany and Monongahela. From this fort, De Villier, 
at the head of nine hundred men, marched out to attack 
him. 

Hearing of the approach of this party, colonel Washing- 
ton halted, and hastily erected some imperfect works, by 
means of which he hoped to prolong his defence until the 
arrival of reinforcements. He was closely besieged by 
De Villier, but making an obstiuaie defence, was offered 
the most honorable terms of capitulation. These he 
accepted, and returned with his regiment to Virginia. 

In this year, delegates from seven of the colonies met 
at Albany, for the purpose of holding a conference with 
the Six Nations of Indians. This business being finished, 
a confederation of the colonies was proposed by the dele- 
gates from Massachusetts. A " Plan of Union" was agreed 
upon, to be submitted to the colonial legislatures, and to 
parliament, for their adoption. 

This plan provided that delegates to a General Council 
should be chosen by the representatives of the people, in 
the colonial assemblies, and that a president-general should 
be appointed by the crown. This council was to possesis 
the control of the military force of the confederacy, and 
the power to concert all measures for the common pro- 
tection and safety. The president-general was to have a 
negative upon the proceedings of the delegates. 



iTo6. FRENCH WAR OF 1 756-63. m 

This plan was rejected by parliaoient, because the dele- 
gates were to be chosen by the representatives of the 
people. It was regretted by the colonins, because it 
placed too much power in the hands of the king. In Eng- 
land, apprehensions were already entertained of the grow- 
ing importance of the colonial assemblies. In America, the 
people began, perhaps unconsciously, to be actuated by 
the spirit of independence. 

The conduct of the French, on the Ohio, convinced the 
cabinet of London that their claim to the country through 
which that river flows must be relinquished, or maintain- 
ed by the saord. They did not hesitate which alterna- 
tive to choose. Early in the spring of 1765, they des- 
patched general Braddock to America, with a respectable 
force, to expel the French, and keep possession of the ter» 
rilory. And preparations having been made by France to 
despatch a reinforcement to her armies in Canada, admiral 
Boscawen was ordered to endeavor to intercept the French 
fleet before it should enter the gulf of St. Lawrence. 

In April, general Braddock met the governors of the 
several provinces, to confer upon the plan of the ensuing 
campaign. Three expeditions were resolved upon : one 
against Du Q,uesne, to be commanded by general Braddock ; 
one against forts Niagara and Frontinac. to be commanded 
by governor Shirle}^ ; and one against Crown Point, to be 
commanded by general Johnson. This last originated with 
Massachusetts, and was to be executed by colonial troops, 
raised in New-England and New-York. 

While preparations were making for these expeditions, 
another, which had been previously concerted, was car- 
ried on against the French forc^,s in Nova Scotia. This 
province was settled by the French, but was ceded to the 
English by the treaty of Utrecht. Its boundaries not 
having been defined, the French continued to occupy a 
portion of the territory claimed by the English, and had 
built forts for their defence. To gain possession of these 
was the object of the expedition. 

About two thousand militia, commanded by Colonel 
Winslow, embarked at Boston ; and being joined on their 
passage by. three hundred regulars, arrived, in April, at 
the place of destination. The forts were invested ; the 
resistance made was trifling and ineffectual ; and in a short 

11 



FRENCH WAR OF 1756-63. 1755^ 

time the English gained entire possession of the province 
according to their own definition of its boundaries. Three 
only of their men were killed. 

The preparations of General Braddock in Virginia had 
proceeded slowly. It had been found extremely difficult 
to procure horses, wagons, and provisions. Impatient of 
delay, he determined to set out with twelve hundred men, 
selected from the different corps, and to proceed as rapidly 
as possible towards fort Du Quesne. The residue of the 
army, and the heavy baggage, were left under the com- 
mand of Col, Dunbar, who was directed to follow as soon 
as the preparations were completed. 

Braddock had been educated in the English army ; and 
in the science of war, as then taught in Europe, he de- 
served and enjoyed the reputation of more than ordinary 
skill. Of this reputation he was vain, and disdained to 
consider that his skill was totally inapplicable to the mode 
of warfare practised in the forests of America. Before he 
left England, he was repeatedly admonished to beware of 
a surprise ; and on his march through the wilderness, the 
provincial officers frequently entreated him to scour the 
surrounding thickets. But he held these officers and the 
enemy in too much contempt to listen to this salutary 
counsel. 

On approaching fort Du Q,uesne, Col. Washington, who 
accompanied him as his aid, made a last attempt to in<luce 
him to change his order of march. He explained the In- 
dian mode of warfare ; represented his dangers ; and of- 
fered to take command of the provincials and place himself 
in advance of the army. This offer was declined. The 
general proceeded, confident of the propriety of his con- 
duct ; the provincials followed, trembling for the conse- 
quences. 

On the ninth of July, the army crossed the Monongahela 
within a few miles of Du Q,uesne. Their route led 
through a defile, which they had nearly passed, when a 
tremendous yell and instantaneous discharge of fire arms, 
suddenly burst upon them from an invisible foe. The van 
was thrown into confusion. The general led the main 
body to its support. For a moment, order was restored, 
and a short cessation of the CHemy's fire, occasioned by 



1755. FRENCH WAR OF 1756-63. 123 

the death of their commander, seemed to indicate that all 
danger was over. 

But the attack was soon renewed with increased fury« 
Concealed behind trees, logs, and rocks, the Indians 
poured upon the troops a deadly and incessant fire. Offi- 
cers and men fell thickly around, and the survivers knew 
not where to direct their aim to revenge their slaughtered 
comrades. The whole body was again thrown into confu- 
sion. The general, obstinate and courageous, refused to 
retreat, but bent his whole efforts to restore and maintain 
order. He persisted in these efforts, until five horses had 
been shot under him, and every one of his officers on 
horseback, exeept colonel Washington, was either killed or 
wounded. 

The general at length fell, and the rout became univer- 
sal. The troops fled precipitately until they met the divi- 
sion under Dunbar, then sixty miles in the rear. To thts 
body the same panic was communicated. Turning about, 
they fled with the rest, and although no enemy had been 
seen during the engagement, nor afterwards, yet the army 
continued retreating until it reached fort Cumberland, one 
hundred and twenty miles from the place of action. 

There they remained but a short time. With the rem- 
nant of the army, amounting to fifteen hundred men, colonel 
Dunbar, upon whom, on the death of Braddock, the com- 
mand devolved, marched to Philadelphia, leaving the fron- 
tiers of Pennsylvania and Virginia destitute of defence. 

The provincial troops, whom Braddock had so much 
despised, displayed during the battle, the utmost calmness 
and courage. Though placed in the rear, they alone, led 
on by Washington, advanced against the Indians and covered 
the retreat. Had they been permitted to fight in their 
&wn way, they could easily have defeated the enemy. In 
this battle, sixty-four, out of eighty-five officers, were 
cither killed or wounded, and at least one half of the 
privates. 

The two northern expeditions, though not so disastrous, 
were both unsuccessful. General Shirley, who had been 
appointed to command that against Niagara, met with so 
many delays that he did not reach Oswego until late in 
August. While embarking there to proceed against Nia- 
gsra, the autumnal rains began, bis troops became dis- 



]24 ' FREjfCH WAR OF 1 756-63, n6& 

couraged, his Indian allies deserted him, and he was com- 
pelled to relinquish his design. 

The forces destined to attack Crown Point and the re- 
quisite military stores, could not be collected at Albany 
until the last of August. Thence the array, under the 
command of general Johnson, proceeded to the sonth end 
of lake George, on their way to the place of destination. 
There he learned, that the armament, fitted out in the 
ports of Franoe, eluding the English squadron, had arrived 
at Quebec, and that baron Dieskau, commander of the 
French forces, was advancing with an array towards the 
territories of the English. He halted, erected slight 
breastworks), and detached colonel Williams with a thou- 
sand men, to impede the progress of the enemy. 

Dieskau, who was near, was immediately informed of the 
approach of this detachment. Without losing a moment, he 
directed his troops to conceal themselves. The English 
advanced into the midst of their enemy, and, from every 
quarter^ received, at the same moment, a sudden and unex- 
pected tire. Their leader fell, and the men fled, in disor- 
der, to the camp. 

They were followed closely by the eneray^ who ap-^ 
proached within one hundred and tifty yards of the breast- 
work : and, had they made an^mmediate assault, wouldj 
probably, such was the panic of the English, have been sue- 
fes'^ful. But here they halted, to make dispositions for a 
re-gular attack. The Indians and Canadians were despatc.ed 
to the flanks, and the regular troops began the attack with 
firing, by platoons, at the center. Their fire was inffectu- 
al, and the provmcials gradually resumed their courage. 

A few discharges of the artillery di-ovethe Canadians and 
Indians to the swamps. The regulars, although deserted 
by the auxiliaries, maintained the conflict, for more than ao 
hour, with much steadiness and resolution. Dieskau^ con- 
vinced that all his efforts must be unavailing, then gave or- 
ders to retreat. This produced some confusion, which» 
being perceived by the provincials, they simultaneously^ 
and withont orders or concert, leaped ^ver the intrench^ 
ments, fell upon the French soldiers, and killed, captured, 
or dispersed them. The baron was wounded and made 
prisoner. 

The next dayj colonel Blanchard, who comEoanded 5?.l 



1756, FRENCH WAR OF 1756-63. 125 

fort Edward, despatched captain M'Ginnis, of New-Hamp- 
shire, with two hundred men, to the assistance of general 
Johnson. On his way, he discovered between three and 
four hundred of the enemy seated around a pond, hot far 
from the place where colonel Williams had been defeated. 
Notwithstanding his inferiority in numbers, he determined 
to attack them. So impetuous was the onset, that after a 
sharp conflict, the enemy fled. The brave captain, how- 
ever, was mortally wounded. In the several enagements, 
the provincials lost about two hundred men ; the enemy 
upwards of seven hundred. 

General Johnson, though strongly importuned by the go- 
vernment of Massachusetts, refused to proceed upon his 
expedition, which was abandoned, and most of his troops 
returned to their respective colonies. Thus ended the cam- 
paign of 1755. It opened with the brightest prospects, 
immense preparations had been made, yet not one of the 
objects of the three great expeditions had been attained. 

During the fall and winter, the southern colonies were 
ravaged, and the usual barbarities perpetrated upon the 
frontier inhabitants, by the savages, who, on the defeat of 
Braddock, and the retreat of his army, saw nothing to re- 
strain their fury. In Virginia and Pennsylvania, disputes 
existed between the governor and legislatures, which pre- 
vented all attention to the means of defence. Scarcely a 
post was maintained, or a soldier employed in their service. 

The colonies, far from being discouraged by the misfor- 
tunes of the last campaign, determined to renew and in- 
crease their exertions. General Shirley, to whom the su- 
perintendence of all the military operations had been con- 
tided, assembled a council of war at New-York, to concert 
a plan for the ensuing year. He proposed that expeditions 
should be carried on against Du Quesne, Niagara, and 
Crown Point, and that a body of troops should be sent, by 
the way of the rivers Kennebec and Chaudiere, to alarm 
the French for the safety of Q,uebec. This plan was unan* 
imously adopted by the council. 

Shirley, on the last of January, repaired to Boston, to 
meet the assembly of Massachusetts, of which colony he 
was governor. He endeavored to persuade them to coq- 
jcur in the measures proposed ; but, disgusted with the pro- 
ceedings of the last campaign, and especially at general 

11* 



120 FRENCH WAR OF 1756-63c HSB' 

Johnson's neglecting to pursue his advantages, they were 
unwilUng^o engage in oifensive operations, unless the com- 
mand of their forces should be given to gen£ral Winslow, 
who had acquired popularity by his success in Nova-Scotia. 
Their wishes were complied with, and their concurrence 
was then granted. 

In April, news arrived from Great Britain, that the con» 
duct of general Johnson, instead of being censured, was 
considered highly meritorious ; that, as a reward for his 
success, the king had conferred upon him the title of baro- 
oet, and parliament a grant of five thousand pounds ster- 
ling ; that his majesty disapproved of the conduct of Shir- 
ley, and had determined to remove him from command. 

This information not being official, general Shirley con- 
tinued his preparations with his usual activity and zeaL 
While engaged in collectings at Albany, the troops from the 
different colonies, general Webb brought from England of- 
ficial information of his removal. On the 25th of June, 
general Abercrombie arrived, and took command of the 
army. It now consisted of about twelve thousand men, and 
was more numerous and better prepared for the field thaR 
any army that had ever been assembled in America. 

Singular as it may appear, while this sanguinary war 
raged in America, the intercourse between the two nation? 
in Europe, not only continued uninterrupted, but seemed 
more than usually friendly. This unnatural state of things 
could not long continue. Great Britain declared war in 
May, and France in June. 

The change of commanders delayed the operations of the 
English army. The French were active ; and on the J 2th 
of July, general Abercrombie received intelligence that 
they meditated an attack upon Oswego, a post of the utmost 
importance. General Webb was ordered to prepare to 
march with a regiment for the defence of that place. In the 
mean time. Lord Loudon, who had been appointed com- 
mander-in-chief over all the British forces in the colonies, 
arrived in America. 

Amidst the ceremonies which followed, the affairs of the 
war were forgotten. General Webb did not begin his march 
until the 12th of August. Before he had proceeded far, he 
teamed that Oswego was actually besieged by a large army 
of French and Indians. Alarmed for his own safety, he 



1766. FRENCH WAR OP 1756-63, 127 

proceeded no farther, but employed his troops in erecting 
fortifications for their defence. 

General Montcalm, the commander of the French troops 
in Canada, began the siege of Oswegoon the l2th of August. 
On the l4th, the English commander having been killed, 
terms of surrender were proposed by the garrison, and 
were agreed to. These terms were shamefully violated. 
Several of the British officers and soldiers were insulted, 
robbed, and massacred by the Indians. Most of the sick 
were scalped in the hospitals, and the French general de- 
livered twenty of the garrison to the savages, that being the 
number they had lost during the siege. Those unhappy 
wretches were, doubtless, according to the Indian custom, 
tortured and burnt. 

General Webb was permitted to retreat, unmolested, to 
Albany. Lord Loudon pretended it was now too late in the 
season to attempt any thing farther, though the troops un- 
der general Winslow were within a few days march of Ti- 
conderogaand Crown Point, and were sufficient in number 
to justify an attack upon those places. He devoted the re- 
mainder'of the season to making preparations for an early 
and vigorous campaign the ensuing year. 

This spring had opened with still more brilliant prospects 
ihan the last ; and the season closed without the occurrence 
of a siniile event that was honorable to the British arms, 
or advantasjeous to the colonies. This want of success was 
justly attributed to the removal of the provincial officers, 
who were well acquainted with the theatre of operations, 
but whom the ministry, desirous of checking the growth of 
talents in the colonies, were unwilling to employ. Yet the 
several assemblies, though they saw themselves thus slight- 
ed, 1md their money annually squandered, made all the 
preparations that were required of them for the next cam- 
paign. 

The reduction of Louisburgh was the object to which the 
ministry directed the attention of Lord Loudon. In the 
spring of 1757, he sailed from New-York, with 6000 men, 
and, at Halifax, met admiral Holbourn, with transports con- 
taining an equal number of troops, and a naval force con- 
sisting of fifteen ships of the line. When about to proceed 
to their place of destination, intelligence arrived that the 
garrison at Louisburgh had received a large reinforcemcRt^ 



128 PRF.N^CH warofJ656~63. 17B1> 

and expected and desired a visit from the English. Dis- 
heartened by this intelHgence, the general and admiral aban- 
doned the expedition. 

While the English commanders were thus irresolute and 
idle, the French were enterprising and active. In March, 
general Montcalm made an attempt to surprise fort William 
Henry, at the south end of lake George, but was defeated 
by the vigilance and bravery of the garrison. He returned 
to Crown Point, leaving a party of troops at Ticonderoga. 
Against this post, near four hundred men were sent from 
the fort, under the command of colonel Parker. 

The colonel was deceived in his intelligence, decoyed 
into an ambuscade, and attacked with such fury, that but 
two officers and seventy privates escaped. Encouraged by 
this success, Montcalm determined to return and besiege 
fbrt William Henry. For this purpose, he assembled an 
army, consisting of regular troops, Canadians and Indians, 
and amounting to near ten thousand men. 

Major Putnam, a brave and active partizan, obtained in- 
formation of the purposes of Montcalm, which he commu- 
nicated to general Webb, who, in the absence of Lord Lou- 
don, commanded the British troops in that quarter. The 
general enjoined silence upon Putnam, and adopted no other 
measure on receiving the intelligence, than sending colonel 
Monro to take command of the fort. 

The day after this officer, ignorant of what was to hap- 
pen, had arrived at his post, the lake appeared covered 
with boats, which swiftly approached the shore. Montcalm, 
with but little opposition, effected a landing, and immediately 
began the siege. The garrison, consisting of two thousand 
five hundred men, animated by the expectation of reliefj 
made a gallant defence. 

General Webb had an army at fort Edward, of more than 
four thousand men, and it was in his power to call in a large 
number of provincial troops from New- York and New- 
England. To him colonel Monro sent repeated and press- 
iig solicitations for immediate succor. These he disregard- 
ed, seeming entirely indifferent to the distressing situation 
©f his fellow soldiers. 

At length, on the ninth day of the siege, in compliance 
%vith the entreaties of the friends of Monro, general Webb 
despatched sir William Johnson, with a body of men, to his 



175t. FRENCH WAR OF 1156-63. Ud 

relief. They had not proceeded three miles, when the 
order was countermanded. Webb then wrote to Monro 
that he could aflbrd him no assistance, and advised him to» 
surrender on the best terms that he could obtain. 

This letter was intercepted b^ Montcalm, who, in a con- 
ference which he procured, handed it himself to the com- 
mander of the fort. All hope of relief being extinguished, 
articles of capitulation were agreed to. In these it was ex- 
pressly stipulated, by Montcalm, that the prisoners should 
be protected from the savage?, by a gunrd, and that the sick 
and wounded should be treated with humanity. 

But the next morning, a great number of Indians, having 
been permitted to enter the lines, began to plunder. Meet- 
ing with no opposition, -they fell upon the sick and mound- 
ed, whom they immediately massacred. This excited their 
appetite for carnage. The defenceless troops were sur- 
rounded and attacked with fiend-like fury. Monro, hasten- 
ing to Montcalm, implored him to provide the stipulated 
guard. 

his entreaties were ineffectual, and the massacre pro- 
ceeded. All was turbulence and horror. On every side,> 
savages were butchering and scalping their wretched vic- 
tims. Their hideous yells, the liroans of the dying, and 
the frantic shrieks of others, shrinking from the uplifted 
tomahawk, were heard by the French unmoved. The fury 
of the savages was permitted to rage without restraint, un- 
til fifteen hundred were killed, or hurried captives into the 
wilderness. 

The day after this awful tragedy, major Putnam was sent, 
with his rangers, to watch the motions of the enemy. Wheii^ 
he came to the shore of the lake, their rear was hardly be- 
yond the reach of musket shot. The prospect was shock- 
ing and horrid. I he fort was demolished. The barracks 
and buildings were yet burning. Innumerable fragments 
of human carcasses, still broiled in the decaying fires. Dead 
bodies, mangled with tomahawks and scalping knives, in all 
the wantonness of Indian barbarity, were every where scat- 
tered around. 

General Webb, apprehensive of an attack upon himself, 
sent expresses to the provinces for reinforcements. They 
were raised and despatched with expedition ; but as Mont- 
culm returned to Ticondecoga, they were kept in service 



iSD FRENCH WAR OF 1756-63. 175T. 

but a few weeks. And thus ended the third campaign in 
America. 

These continual disasters resulted from folly and mis- 
management, rather than from want of means and military 
strength. The British nation was alarmed and indignant, 
and the king found it necessary to change his councils. At 
the head of the new ministry, he placed the celebrated 
William Pitt, who was raised by his talents from the hum- 
ble post of ensign in the guards, to the control of the des- 
tinies of a mighty empire. Public confidence revived, and 
the nation seemed inspired with new life and vigor. 

For the next campaign, the ministry determined upon 
three expeditions ; one of twelve thousand men against 
Louisburg; one of sixteen thousand against Ticonderoga 
and Crown Point, and one of eight thousand against fort 
Du Quesne. The colonies were called upon to render all 
the assistance in their power. Lord Loudon having been 
recalled, the command of the expedition against Louisburg 
was given to general Amherst, under whom general Wolfe 
served as a brigadier. The place was invested on the 12th 
of June. Amherst made his approaches with much cir- 
cumspection ; and, without any memorable incident, the 
siege terminated on the 26th of July, by the surrender of 
the place. Whenever an opportunity occurred, general 
Wolf, who was then young, displayed all that fire, impetu- 
osity, and discretion, which afterwards immortalized his 
name. 

The expedition against Ticonderoga, was commanded by 
general Abercrombie. He was accompanied by Lord Howe, 
whose military talents and amiable virtues made him the 
darling of the soldiery. This army consisted of seven thou- 
sand regular troops, and ten thousand provincials. When 
approaching the fort, a skirmish took place with a small 
party of the enemy, in which Lord Howe was killed at the 
first fire. On seeing him fall, the troops moved forward 
with an animated determination to avenge his death. Three 
hundred of the enemy were killed on the spot, and one . 
hundred and forty made prisoners. 

The ardor of his men, and the intelligence gained from 
the prisoners, induced general Abercrombie to make an as^ 
sault upon the works. It was received with undaunledl 
feraverj; and wns persevered in with singular obstinacj. 



n58. FRENCH WAR OF 1766-63, t3i 

For four hours, the troops remained before the walls, at- 
tempting to scale them, and exposed to a destructive fire of 
musketry and artillery. The general, despairing of suc- 
cess, then directed a retreat. Near two thousand of the 
assailants were killed or wounded. The loss of the French 
was not great, and most of the killed were shot through the 
head, the other parts of their bodies being protected by 
their works. 

After this bloody repulse, Abercrombie despatched col- 
onel Bradstreet, with three thousand men, mostly provin- 
cials, against tort Frontinac, which was situated on lake On- 
tario, and contained a large quantity of merchandise, pro- 
visions, and military stores. It fell an easy conquest, and 
the loss was severely felt by the French. The westere 
Indians, not receiving their usual supply of merchandise^ 
relaxed in their exertions ; and the troops at Du Quesne 
suffered from the want of the provisions and military stores. 
These circumstances contributed essentially to facilitate the 
operations of the third expedition. 

This was placed undei* the command of general Forbes, 
He left Philadelphia in the beginning of July, and, after a 
laborious march, through deep morasses and over unex- 
plored mountains, arrived at Haystown, ninety miles from 
Du Q^nesne. An advanced party of eight hundred men, un- 
der the command of major Grant, was met by a detalch- 
ment from the fort, and defeated, with great slaughter. 

Forbes, undismayed by this disaster, advanced with cau- 
tious and steady perseverance. The enemy, observing his 
circumspection, determined not to abide the event of a 
siege. After dismantling the fort, they retired down the 
Ohio, to their settlements on the Missisippi. General 
Forbes, taking possession of the place, changed its name to 
Pittsburgh. 

The campaign of 1758, was highly honorable to the Bri- 
tish arms. Of the three expeditions, two had completel}' 
succeeded, and the leader of the third had made an impor- 
tant conquest. To the commanding talents of Pitt, and the 
confidence which they inspired, this change of fortune must 
be attributed ; and in no respect were these talents more, 
strikingly displayed, than in the choice of men to execute 
his plans. 

Encouraged by the events of this year, the English antU 



132 FRENCH WAR OF 1766-63. - 1758- 

cipated still greater success in the campaign which was to 
follow. The plan marked out by the minister, was indica- 
tive of the boldness and energy of his genius. Three dif- 
ferent armies were, at the same time, to be led ag;iinsl the 
three strongest posts of the French in America : Niagara, 
Ticondproa;a, and Quebec. The latter post wa.s considered 
the strongest ; and it was therefore intended that, should 
Ticonderoga be conquered, the victorious army should 
press forward to assist in its reduction. 

In the beginning of July, general Prideaux embarked on 
lake Ontario, with the army destined against Niagara, and, 
on the sixth, landed about three miles from the fort. He 
immediately commenced a siege, in the progress of which 
he was killed, by the bursting of a shell. The command 
devolved upon sir William Johnson. An army of French 
and Indians approaching soon after, he detached a part of 
his forces to meet them. A Datlle ensued ; the English 
gained the victory, which was followed by the surrender 
of the fort. 

General Amherst, to w^hom was assigned the expedition 
against Ticonderoga, found so-many liithcultiesto surmount, 
that he was unable to present himself before that place un- 
til late in July. It was immediately abandoned by the ene- 
my. The British general, after repairing the works, pro- 
ceeded against Crown Point. 

On his approach, this was also deserted, the enemy re- 
tiring to the Isle Aux Noix. To gain possession of this post, 
great efforts were made, and much time consumed; but a 
succession of storms on luke Champlain, prevented success. 
General Amherst was compelled to lead back his army to 
Crown Point, where he encamped for the winter. 

The expedition against Quebec, was the most daring and 
important. That place, strong by nature, had been made 
still stronger by art, and had received the appropriate ap- 
pellation of the Gibraltar of America. Every expedition 
against it had failed. It was now commanded by Montcalm, 
an officer of distinguished reputation ; and an attempt to le- 
duce it, must have seemed chimerical to any one but Pitt. 

He judged, rightly, that the boldest and most dangerous 
enterprises are often the most successful. They arouse 
the energies of man, and elevate them to a level with the 
dangers and difficulties to be encountered, especially when 



1769, FRENCH WAB OF 1756--63. 133 

committed to ardent minds, glowing with enthusiasm, and 
emulous of glory. 

Such a mind he had discovered in general Wolfe, whose 
conduct at Louisburgh had attracted his attention. He ap- 
pointed him to conduct the expedition, and gave him for as- 
assistants, brigadier generals Moncton, Townshend, and 
Murray ; all, Tike himself, young and ardent. Early in the 
season, he sailed from Halifax, with eight thousand troops, 
and, near the last of June, landed the whole army on the 
island of Orleans, a few miles below Quebec. 

From this position he could take a near and distinct view 
of the obstacles to be overcome. These were so great, that 
that even the bold and sanguine Wolfe perceived more to 
fear than to hope. In a letter to Mr, Pitt, written before 
commencing operations, he declared that he saw but little 
prospect of reducing the place. 

Quebec stands on the north side of the St. Lawrence, and 
consists of an upper and lower town. The lower town lies 
between the river and a bold and lofty eminence, which 
runs parallel to it, far to the westward. At the top of this 
eminence is a plain, upon which the upper town is situated. 

Below, or east of the city, is the river St. Charles, whose 
channel is rough, and whose banks are steep and broken. 
A short distance farther down, is the river Montmorency ; 
and between these two rivers, and reaching from one to the 
other, was encamped the French army, strongly entrenched 
and at least equal in number to that of the English. 

General Wolfe took possession of Point Levi, on the 
bank of the river opposite Quebec, and from that position 
cannonaded the tov/n. Some injury was done to the houses, 
but his cannon were too distant to make any impression 
upon the works of the enemy. He resolved to quit this postj 
to land below Montmorency, and passing that river, to at- 
tack the French general in his entrenchments. 

He succeeded in landing his troops, and, with a portion 
of his army, crossed the Montmorency. A partial engage- 
ment took place, in which the French obtained the advan- 
tage. Relinquishing this place, he then determined, in 
concert with the admiral, to destroy the French shipping 
and magazines. Two attempts were unsuccessful ; a third 
was more fortunate, yet but little was effected. At this 
juncture, intelligence arrived that Niagara was takeOj thai 

13 



134 FKENCH WAR OP 1756-63. 1769'- 

Ticonderoga and Crown Point had been abandoned, but 
that general Amherst, instead of pressing forward to their 
assistance, was preparing to attack the Isle Aux Noix. 

Wolfe rejoiced at the triumph of his brethren in arms^ 
but could not avoid contrasting their success with his own 
ill fortune. His mind, alike lofty and susceptible, was deep- 
ly impressed by the disasters at Montmorency ; and the ex- 
treme chagrin of his spirits, preying upon his delicate frame, 
sensibly affected his health. He was observed frequently 
to sigh ; and, as if life was only valuable while it added to 
his glory, he declared to his intimate friends, that he would 
not survive the disgrace which he imagined would attend 
the failure of his enterprise. 

Despairing of success below the town, he next directed 
bis efforts towards effecting a landing above it. He re- 
moved a part of his army to Point Levi, and the remainder 
higher up the river. He now found that on this quarter, 
the fortifications were not strong; and discovered that the 
heights behind them might possibly be gained, by ascend- 
ing the precipice in a narrow path, which was defended 
only by a captain's guard. 

The ditliculties attending this enterprise were numerous. 
The current was rapid, the shore shelving, the only land- 
ing place so narrow that it might easily be missed in the 
dark, and the steep above, such as troops even when un- 
opposed, could not ascend without difficulty. Yet the plan, 
though bold and hazardous, was well adapted to the despe- 
rate situation of affairs, and was determined on. 

To conceal their intention, the admiral retired several 
leagues up the river. During the evening, a strong detach- 
ment was put on board the boats, and moved silently down 
with the tide, to the place of landing, where they arrived 
an hour before day break. Wolfe leaped on shore, was 
followed by the troops, and all instantly began, with the as- 
sistance of shrubs and projecting rocks, to climb up the 
precipice. The guard was dispersed, and, by the break 
of day, the whole army gained the heights of Abraham, 
where the different corps were formed under their respec- 
tive leaders. 

Montcalm, at first, could not believe that the English had 
ascended the heights. When convinced of the fact, he com- 
prehended the full advantage they bad gained. He saw that 



1759. FRENCH WAR OF 1756-63. 135 

a battle was inevitable, and prepared for it with pronmpt- 
ness and courage. Leaving his camp at Montmorency, he 
advanced towards the English army, which was formed in 
order of battle to receive him. 

^he French advanced briskly. The English reserved 
their tire until the'ftnemy were near, and then gave it with 
decisive effe-t. Early in the engagement, Wolfe was wound- 
ed in the wrist, but, preserving his composure, he contin- 
ued to encourage his troops. Soon after, he received a 
shot in Ihe groin. This painful wound he also concealed, 
placed hirijself at the head of the grenadiers, and was lead- 
ing them to charge, when he received a third and mortal 
wound 

Undismayed by the fall of their general, the English con- 
tinued their exertions under Moncton, who, in a short time, 
was himself wounded, and the command devolved upon 
Townshend, About the same time, Montcalm received a 
mortal wound, and the second in command also fell. The 
left wing and center of the French gave way. Part were 
driven into Quebec, and part over the river St. Charles. 

On receiving his mortal wound, Wolfe was conveyed into 
the rear, where, careless about himself, he discovered, in 
the agonies of death, the most anxious solicitude concerning 
the fate of the day. From extreme faintness, he had re- 
clined his head on the arm of an officer, but was soon aroused 
by the cry of, " they fly, they fly." '' Who fly ?" ex- 
claimed the dying hero. " The French," answered his 
attendant. " Then," said he, •■' I die contented," and im- 
mediately expired. A death so glorious, and attended by 
circumstances so interesting, has seldom been recorded in 
history , 

Five days after the battle, the city surrendered, and re- 
ceived an English garrisoUo The French concentrated 
iheir remaining forces at Montreal, and, early in the spring, 
made attempts to regain possession of Quebec. Unsuccess- 
ful in these, they returned to Montreal, towards which the 
whole British force in America, under the command of 
general Amherst, was approaching This force was too 
strong to be resisted. In September, 1760, that city sur- 
rendered, and soon after all the French posts in Canada 
ieW into the power of the English. 

In the other parts of the world, their arms were equally 



136 FRENCH WAR OP 1756-63. ir69. 

successful ; and, at the commencement of 1763, a peace, 
highly advantageous to their interests, was concluded at 
Paris. By the treaty, France ceded to Great Britain all 
her northern settlements in America, which relieved the 
colonies from the continual dread of savage incursions. 



CHAPTER XV. 
REVOLUTION. 



In the late brilliant contest, England had made unprece- 
dented exertions. At its close, she found that, though she 
had encircled her name with glory, and added extensive 
territories to her empire, she had increased, in propor- 
tion, the burdens of her subjects, having added three hun- 
dred and twenty millions of dollars to the amount of her 
debt. To find the means of defraying the annual charges 
of this debt, and her other increased expenditures, was the 
first and difficult task of her legislators. 

Regard for their own interest and popularity, impelled 
them to avoid, if possible, imposing the whole burden upon 
themselves and their fellow subjects at home ; and their 
thoughts were turned to the colonies, as the source whence 
alleviation and assistance might be derived. On their ac- 
count, it vvas alleged, the contest had been waged ; they 
ivould share the advantages of its glorious termination, and 
Justice required that they should also defray a portion of 
the expenses. 

To adopt this expedient, ihe British ministry were the 
more naturally led by the opinion which all the European 
governments entertained of the relation between the mo- 
ther country and her colonies. They were supposed to be 
<2ependent on her will ; their inhabitants a distinct and sub- 
ordinate class of subjects, and their interests entirely suh- 
ij'ervient to her aggrandizement and prosperity. 

Acting upon these principles. Great Britain had, by her 
faws of trade and navigation, confined the commerce of the 
colonies almost wholly to herself To encourage her own 
artizans, she had even, in some cases, prohibited the es- 
tablishment of manufactories in America. These restric- 
tions, while they increased her revenues and wealth, greatly 
diminished the profits of the trade of the colonies, aad sea- 

12* 



138 REVOLUTION- 1164. 

ibly impeded their internal prosperity. They were most 
injurious to New-England, where the sterilit}' of the soil 
repelled the people from the pursuits of agriculture ; there 
they were most frequently violated, and there the arbitra- 
ry mode of enforcing them by writs of assistance, awakened 
the attention of a proud and jealous people to their natural 
rights ; to their rights as English subjects, and to the rights 
granted and secured by their charters. 

In the beginning of the year 1764, the British parliament 
enacted a law imposing duties upon certain articles of mer- 
chandise, to be paid in the colonial ports. Mr. Grenville, 
the prime minister, also proposed a resolution, " that it 
would be proper to charge certain stamp duties on the colo- 
nies," but postponed the consideration of that subject to a 
future session. As it was foreseen that the law would be 
disregarded, if extraordinary measures were not adopted 
to enforce it, provision was made that all penalties for vio- 
lations of it, and of all other revenue laws, might be re- 
covered in the admiralty courts. The judges of these courts 
were dependent solely on the king, and decided the causes 
brought before them, without the intervention of a jury. 

Intelligence of these proceedings occasioned, in Ameri- 
ca, great and universal alarm. They were considered the 
commencement of a sy&tem of taxation, which, if not vigor- 
ously resisted, would, in time, be extended to every article 
of commerce, and to every internal source of income ; and 
if the colonists could be deprived in one class of causes, 
why not in all, of that inestimable privilege, the trial by 

j"ry ? 

The general court of Massachusetts, at their session in 
June, took this law into consideration. The house of re- 
presentatives sent a spirited letter of instructions to theii 
agent in England, in which they denied the right of parlia- 
ment to impose duties and taxes upon the people who are 
not represented in the house of commons ; and directed 
him to remonstrate against the duties imposed, and the stamp 
act in contemplation. They also acquainted the other colo- 
nies with the instructions they had given to their agent, and 
desired their concurrence in the mode of opposition adopt- 
ed. In the course of the year, several other colonies, par- 
ticularly New- York and Virginia, remonstrated in respect- 
ful, but decided terms, against the proceedings of parlia- 
ment. 



1764. REVOLUTION. 139 

In these several state papers, the right of Great Britain 
to collect a tax in the colonies, was explicitly denied; and 
the denial was supported by clear and powerful ari;uments. 
It was stated that the tirst emigrants came to America with 
the undoubted consent of the mother country ; that all the 
expenses of removal, of purchasing the territory, and, for a 
long time, of protection froai savage warfare, were defrayed 
by private individuals, except in the single instance of the 
settlement of Georgia : that charters, under the great seal, 
were given to the emigrants, imparting and securing to them 
and to their descendants, all the rights of natural b( rn Eng- 
lish subjects ; that of these rights, none was more indispu- 
table, and none more hij^hly valued, than that no sul/ject 
could be deprived of his property but by his own consent, 
expressed in person or by his r presentatives ; that taxes 
were but grants, by the representatives, of a portion of his 
own property, and of that of those who had authoiized him 
to act in their behalf. Could it be just, it was asked, that 
the representatives of Englishmen should "• give and grant" 
the property of Americans ? With what safety to the colo- 
nies, could the right of taxing them be confided to a body 
of men three thousand miles distant, over whom Ihev had 
no controll, none of whom could be acquainted with their 
situation or resources, and whose interests would impel 
them to make the burdens of the colonists heavy, that their 
own might be light ? 

But, besides infringing the rights of freemen, the measure 
was neither equitable nor generous. The colonies had do- 
mestic governments which they alone supported ; in the 
late war, their exertions had been greater, in proportion te 
their nbility, than those of England ; they also had con- 
tracted debts which they must themselves pay ; the taxes 
laid by many of the assemblies, were higher {h;m those paid 
by the inhabitants of England ; if the war had been waged 
on their account, it was because, as colonies, they were 
beneficial to the mother country ; and from its happy ter- 
mination, they derived no advantage which was not the 
source of ultimate protitto her. 

Upon men who entertained the strictest notions of colo- 
nial dependence, and parliamentary supremacy, these ar- 
guments had little effect. The minister was not diverted 
from his purpose. In March, 1766, he laid before parlia- 



140 REVOLUTION. 1765. 

ment a bill, imposing stamp duties on certain papers and 
documents used in the colonies. At the first reading, it was 
warmly opposed ; by some because it was impolitic, by two 
only because it was a violation of right. 

The bill was supported by Charles Townshend, a bril- 
liant orator, on the side of the ministry. At the conclusion 
of an animated speech, he demanded : " And these Ameri- 
cans, c tildren planted by our care, nourished by our in- 
dulgence, protected by our arms, until they are grown to a 
good degree of strength and opulence, will they grudge to 
contribute their mite to relieve us from the heavy load of 
national expense which we lie under ?" 

Colonel Barre, immediately rising, indignantly and elo- 
quently exclaimed : " Children planted by your care ! No. 
Your oppressions planted them in America. Thej^ fled from 
your tyranny into a then uncultivated land, where the}^ 
were exposed to all the hardships to which human nature 
is liable ; and among others, to the cruelties of a savage 
foe, the most subtle, and I will take upon me to say, the 
most terrible, that ever inhabited any pari of God's earth. 
Andyet, actuated by principles of true English liberty, they 
met all these hardships with pleasure, when they compared 
them with those they suffered in their own country', from 
men who should have been their friends. 

" They ri'mrished by your indulgence ! No. They grew 
by your neglect. When you began to care about them, that 
care was exercised in sending persons to rule over them, 
who were the deputies of some deputy sent to spy out their 
liberty, to misrepresent their actions, and to prey upon 
them ; whose behavior, on many occasions, has caused the 
blood of those sons of liberty to recoil within them ; men 
promoted to the highest seats of justice, some of whom 
were glid, by going to a foreign country, to escape being- 
brought to the bar of justice in their own.'* 

" They protected by your arms .' They have nobly taken 
up arms in your defence. They have exerted their valor, 
amidsttheir constant and laborious industry, for the defence 
of a country which, while its frontier was drenched in 
blood, has yielded all its little savings to your emolument. 
Believe me, and remember I this day told you so, the same 
spirit which actuated that people at first, still continues 
with them ; but prudence forbids me t© explain my self far* 
Iher. 



1765. REVOLUTION. 141 

" God knows I do not at this time speak from party beat. 
However superior to me in general knowledge and expe- 
rience, any one here may be, I claim to know more oi 
America, having been conversant in that country. The 
people there are truly lo}al as any subjects the king has ; 
but they are a people je lous of their liberties, and will 
vindicate them if they should be violated. But the subject 
is delicate ; I will say no more." 

Eloquence and argument availed nothing. The hill was 
almost un4!»imously passed. The night after. Doctor Frank- 
lin, then in England as agent for Pennsylvania, wrote to 
Charles Thompson : " The sun of liberty is set ; you must 
light up the candles of industry and economy." " Be as- 
sured," said Mr. Thompson, in reply, '* that we shall light 
up torches of quite an other sort ;" thus predicting the com- 
motions which followed. 

The act provided that all contracts and legal processes 
should he written on stamped paper, which was to t>e fiir- 
nished, at exorbnant prices, by the government, or should 
have no force in law. Information of its pa^^snge was re- 
ceived in all the colonies with sorrow and dismay They 
saw that they must either surrender, without a struggle, 
iheir darling rijrhts, or resist the government of a nation, 
which they had been accustomed to regard with filial re- 
spect, and was then the most powerful in the world. 

The general assembly of Virginia were in session when 
the information arrived. Of that body, Patrick Henry, a 
young man, but a distinguished orator, was a menjber. Near 
the close of the session, he proposed five resolutions, in 
the fi'st four of which were asserted the various rights and 
privileges claimed by the colonists, and, in the fifth, the 
rightof parliament to tax America was boldly and explicitly 
denied. These he defended by strong reason and irresist- 
ible eloquence, and they were adopted by a majority of 
one. 

The next day, in his absence, the fifth resolution was re- 
scinded ; but that and the others had gone forth to the 
world, and imparted higher animation to the friends of free- 
dom. They were a signal to the resolute and ardent ; they 
gave encouragement to the timid and cautious : they were 
industriously but privately circulated in the principal cities, 
untilthey arrived in New-England, where they were fear- 
lessly published in all the newspapers. 



142 REVOLUTro^^. 1765. 

Nearly at the same time, and before the proceedings of 
Virginia were known in Massachusetts, her general court 
adopted measures to procure a combined oppo>ition to the 
offensive laws. They passed a resolve proposing that a 
congress of delegates from the several colonies, sliould be 
held at New- York, and addressed letters to the other as- 
semblies, earnestly soliciting their concurrence. 

These legislative proceedings took place in May and 
June, 1765. They were the moderate and dignitied ex- 
pression of feelings, which animated, in a more intense de- 
gree, a great majority of the people. In New-England, asso- 
ciations, for the purpose of resisting the law, were organized, 
assuming, from Bane's speech, the appellation of " sons of 
liberty ;" pamphlets were published, vindicating the rights 
of the colonies; and the public journals were tilled with 
essays pointing out the danger which threatened the cause 
of liberty, and encourauing a bold and manly resistance. 

Excited by these publications, a multitude assembled in 
Boston, on the )4th of August, burned the effigy of Andrew 
Oliver, who had been appointed stamp-distributer, and de- 
molished a building which they supposed he had erected 
for his office. Fearful of farther injury, Mr. Oliver de- 
clared his intention to resign, when the people desisted 
from molesting him. 

Several days afterwards, a mob beset the house of Mr. 
Story, an officer of the detested admiralty court. They 
broke his windows, destroyed his furniture, and burned his 
papers. I hey then proceeded to the house of lieutenant- 
governor Hutchinson, by whose advice, it was supposed, 
the statnp act had been passed. They entered it by force. 
Himself, his wife, and children fled. His elegant furniture 
was carried offer destroyed. The partitions of the house 
were broken down, and the next morning nothing but the 
bare and desolate walls remained. 

When intelligence of these proceedings reached New- 
port, in Rhode Island, the people of that place assembled 
and committed similar outrages. Two houses were pillaged, 
and the stamp-distributer, to preserve his own, was obliged 
to give to the leader of the exasperated populace a written 
resignation of his office. In Connecticut, similar commo- 
tions were also quieted by the resignation of the distiibutev 
of stamps for that colony. 



1765. REVOLUTioir.' 14S 

In New-York, the people displayed equal spirit, but less 
turbulence and rage. The obnoxious act was printed, un- 
der the title of " The folly of England, and the ruin of 
America," and thus exhibited for sale in the streets. At an 
early period, the stamp-distributer prudently resigned his 
office ; and when the stamped paper arrived, it was depo- 
sited for safe keeping in the fort. A mob required the lieu- 
tenant-governor to place it in their hands. He refused ; 
but, territied by their menaces, consented to deliver it to 
the magistrates, who deposited it in the city hall. Ten boxes, 
which afterwards arrived, were seized by the people, and 
committed to the flames. 

So general was the opposition to the law, that the stamp 
oflicers, in all the colonies, were compelled to resign. In 
Boston, care was taken, on the one hand, to prevent the re- 
currence of violent proceedings, and, on the other, to keep 
in full vigor the spirit of resistance. A newspaper was es- 
tablished, having for its device a snake divided into as many 
parts as there were colonies, and for its motto, "join or 
die." Mr Oliver was required to resign his office, with 
more c^^remony and solemnit}', under a large elm, whicli 
had, from the meetings held under it, received the name oi 
the tree of liberty. 

In October, the congress recommended by Massachu- 
setts, convened at New-York. Delegates from six provinces 
only were present. Their first act was a Declaration of 
Rights, in which they asserted, that the colonies were en- 
titled to all the rights and liberties of natural born subjects 
within the kingdom of Great Britain, the most essential of 
which were the exclusive right to tax themselves, and the 
privilege of trial by jury. A {letitioo to the king, and a me- 
morial to both houses of parliament, were also agreed on ; 
and the colonial assemblies were advised to appoint special 
agents to solicit, in concert, a redress of grievances. To 
interest the people of England in the cause of the colonies, 
the merchants of Ne;v-York directed their correspondents, 
in that country, to purchase no more goods until the stamp 
act should be repealed. Immediately after, nonimportation 
agreements were adopted in the other colonies, and asso- 
ciations were organized for the encouragement of domestic 
manufactures. To avoid the necessity of stamps, proceed- 
ings in the courts of justice were suspended, and disputes 
were settled by arbitration. 



144 REVOLUTION. 1766, 

In the mean time, an entire change had taken place in 
the British cabinet, and a proposition to repeal the stamp 
act was, by the new ministry, laid before parliament. An 
interesting^; debate ensued. Mr. GrenviJle, the late prime 
minister, declared, that to repeal the act under existmg cir- 
cumstances, would degrade the government, arid encourage 
rebelhon. *' When," he demanded, " were the Ameri- 
cans emancipated ? By what law, by what reason, do they 
ungratefully claim exemption from defraying expenses in- 
incurred in protecting them ?" 

VViUiam Pitt, he who had wielded, with such mighty ef- 
fect, the power of England, in the late war, rose to reply. 
He regretted that he had not been able to attend in his 
pl'ace, and oppose the law on its passage. " It is now an 
act that has passed. I would speak with decency of every 
act of this house ; but I must beg the indulgence of this 
house to speak of it with freedom. Assuredly a more im- 
portant subject never engaged your attention ; that subject 
only excepied, when, nearly a century ago, it was the ques- 
tion whether you yourselves were bond or free ? 

" Those who have spoken before me, with so much ve- 
hemence, would maintain the act because our honor de- 
mands it. But can the point of honor stand against jus- 
tice, against reason, against right ? It is my opinion that 
England has no right to tax the colonies. At the same time, 
I assert the authority of this kingdom over the colonies to 
be sovereign and supreme, in every circumstance of ^o- 
Ternmont and legislation whatsoever. 

" Taxation is no part of the governing or legislative pow- 
er. The taxes are a voluntary gift and grant of the com- 
mons alone ; when, therefore, in this house, we give and 
grant, we give and grant what is our own. But in an Ameri- 
can tax, what do we do ? We, your majesty's C'>mmons of 
Great Britain, give and grant to your majesty — ivhat ? Our 
own property ? No. We give and grant to your majesty 
the property of your commons in America. It is an absurdity 
in terms. 

'* It has been asked, when were the Americans emanci- 
pated? But I desire to know when they were made 
slares. I hear it said, that America is obstinate ; Ame- 
rica is almost in open rebellion. 1 rejoice that America 
has resisted. Three millions of people, so dead to all 



J 766. REVOLUTION. 145 

the feelings of liberty as voluntarily to submit to be slaves, 
would have been fit instruments to make slaves of our- 
selves. 

'* The honorable member has said, for he is fluent in 
words of bitterness, that America is ungrateful. He boasts 
of his bounties towards her. But are not these bounties 
intended finally for the benefit of this kingdom ? The 
profits of Great Britain, from her commerce with the 
colonies, are two millions a year. This is the fund that 
carried you triumphantly through the last war. The 
estates that were rented at two thousand pounds a year, 
seventy years ago, are at three thousand pounds at pre- 
sent. You owe this to America. This is the price she 
pays you for protection. 

" A great deal has been said without doors, and more 
than what is discreet, of the power, of the strength of 
America. !n a good cause, on a sound bottom, the force 
of this country can crush America to atoms. But on the 
ground of this tax, when it is wished to prosecute an 
evident injustice, I am one who will lift my hands and my 
voice against it. In such a cause, your success would be 
deplorable and victory hazardous. America, if she fell, 
would fall like the strong man. She would embrace the 
}>illars of the state, and pull down the constitution along 
with her." 

The sentiments of this great statesman prevailed m par- 
liament. The stnmp act was repealed ; but another act 
was passed declaring that " the legislature of Great Bri- 
tain has authority to make laws to bind the colonies in all 
cases whatever." The merchants of London rejoiced at 
this repeal. They had felt the eftects of the colonial non- 
importation agreements, and dreaded that still more inju- 
rious consequences would follow. 

But far greater were the rejoicings of the Americans. 
They had obtained the object for which they had con- 
tended. They regarded the declaratory act as the mere 
reservation of wounded pride, and welcomed with transport 
the opportunity of again cherishing their former affection 
for the land of their fathers. The assemblies of several 
colonies voted their thanks to Mr. Pitt, and to others in 
England, who had supported their cause ; and that of Vir* 

13 



146 nEvoLUTioif. 1767^ 

ginia resolved to erect an obelisk to their honor, and a 
marble statue of the king, a<» a memorial of gratitude. 

By the people of New-England and New-York less joy 
was felt and less gratitude displayed. The laws imposing 
duties on their trade were still in force. The courts of 
admiralty, sitting without juries, still retained jurisdiction 
of all revenue causes. Their repeated contests with their 
governors, had weakened their attachment to the nation 
that appointed them, and confirmed their republican prin- 
ciples. They still remembered the past and entertained 
suspicions of the future. 

The very next year events occurred which justified 
these suspicions. A law of parliament, which remained 
unrepealed, directed that whenever troops should be 
marched into any of the colonies, quarters, rum, and vari- 
ous necessary articles, should be provided for them, at the 
expense of the colony. The assembly of New-York re- 
fused obedience to this law, considering it an indirect 
mode of taxing them without their consent. To punish 
this disobedience, parliament immediately suspended the 
authority of the assembly, it was easily seen that nothing 
had been gained, if this power of suspension, for such a 
cause, existed, and could be exercised at pleasure. 

The alarm, occasioned by this act of despotic power, 
was increased by a measure, which, under the auspices of 
a new ministry, was adopted in June, 1767. A duty was 
imposed by parliament on the importation into the colo- 
nies, of glass, tea, and other enumerated articles, and pro- 
vision was made for the appointment of commissioners of 
the customs to be dependent solely on the crown. 

Early in the next year, the general court of Massachu- 
setts, pursuing the same course as in 1764, addressed a 
letter to their agent in London, containing numerous and 
able arguments against those duties, and requested him to 
communicate the letter to the ministry. They also sent to 
the other colonial assemblies, a circular letter, in which 
those arguments were repeated, and suggested the expe- 
diency of acting in concert in all endeavors to obtain re- 
dress . 

These proceedings incensed and alarmed the ministry. 
They feared that a union of the colonies would give them 
strength and confidence, and determined if possible to pre- 



1768. REVOLUTION. 147 

vent it. They instructed Sir John Bernard, then governor 
of Massachusetts, to require the general court to rescind 
the vote directing the circular letter to be sent, and in case 
of refusal to dissolve it. The governor communicated 
these instructions to the house of representatives, which, 
by a vote of ninety -two to seventeen, refused to rescind, 
and was accordingly dissolved. 

The attempt to intimidate did but strengthen opposition. 
The non-importation agreements, which had been lately 
abandoned, were renewed, and more extensively adopted. 
The citizens of Boston met, and proposed that a conven- 
tion of delesi;ates from the several towns in the province, 
should be held at that place. Nearly every town accord- 
ingly sent delegates. This convention, though it dis- 
claimed all legal authority, was regarded with the same 
respect as a legitimate assembly. Its proceedings were 
unimportant, but by its sessions in the metropolis of New- 
England, the people became accustomed to pa> deference 
io a body of men deriving ;ill their authority from the in- 
structions of their constituents. 

On so many occasions had the refractory spirit of the 
citizens of Boston been displayed, that general Gage, who 
was coramander-in chief of all the troops in 'he colonies, 
was ordered to station a re nment in that town, as weii io 
overawe those citizens, as to protect the officers of the 
revenue in the discharge of their duty. Before the order 
wa« executed, the seizure of a sloop belonging to Mr. Han- 
cock, a popular leader, occasioned a riot, in which those 
officers were insulted and beaten The general, on re- 
ceiving information of this event, sent two regiments in- 
stead of one, and on the first of October they arrived in 
the harbor. 

The ships that brought them, taking a station that com- 
manded the whole town, lay with their broadsides towards 
it, ready to fire should resistance be attempted. The 
troops, with loaded muskets and fixed bayonets, then 
landed ; and, the selectmen having refused to provide 
quarters, they took possession of the state-house. All the 
rooms, except one reserved for the council, were filled, 
and two pieces of cannon were placed near the principal 
entrance. 



148 REVOLUTION". 17G9. 

With indignant and exasperated feelings, the people 
witnessed this threatening display of military force. They 
saw the hall of their venerated legislature polluted by the 
tread of foreign mercenaries. They saw soldiers parading 
their streets and guards mounted at the corners. They 
were challenged as they passed, and the unwelcome din 
of martial music often disturbed their repose. They 
knew that intimidation was the object, and felt a stronger 
determination to resist than had before animated their 
bosoms. 

Resolutions, in the mean time, had been adopted in par- 
liament, censuring, in the strongest terms, the conduct of 
the people, of Massachusetts, and directing the governor to 
make strict inquiry, as to all treasons committed in that 
province, since the year 1667, in order that the persons 
most active in committing them might be sent to England 
for trial. 

These resolutions rendered it sufficiently evident that 
Great Britain had determined to adhere to the system of 
measures she had adopted. In May, they were taken into 
consideration by the house of burgesses of Virginia. In 
sundry resolutions, they reasserted the right of the colo- 
nies to be exempted from parliamentary taxation, and de- 
clared thai seizing persons In ihe colonies, suspected of 
havitig committed crimes therein, and sending them beyond 
sea to be tried, violated the rights of British subjects, as it 
deprived them of the inestimable right of being tried by a 
jury of the vicinage, and of producing witnesses on their 
trial. 

While these resolutions were under discussion, the 
house, apprehensive of an immediate dissolution should 
the subject of their deliberations be known to the governor, 
closed their doors. The instant they were opened, a mes- 
sage was announced, requesting their attendance before 
him. "Mr. Speaker," said he, '-gentlemen of the house 
of burgesses. I have heard of your resolves, and augur ill 
of their effects. You have made it my duty to dissolve 
you, and you are dissolved accordingly.-' 

This, like every previous measure of intimidation, ex- 
cited, to a still higher degree, the spirit of opposition. 
The members assembled at a private house, elected their 
speaker to preside as moderator, and unanimously formed 



i?TO. REVOLUTION. 149 

a non-importation agreement similar to those previously 
adopted at the north. In a few weeks, the example of 
"Virginia was followed by most of the southern colonies. 

To the citizens of Boston, the troops quartered among 
them were a painful and irritating spectacle. Q,uarreis 
occurring daily between them and the populace, increased 
the animosity of each to ungovernable hatred. At length, 
on the evening of the fifth of March, an affray took place 
in King-street, (since called State-street,) in which a de- 
tachment of the troops commanded by captain Preston, 
after being insulted, pelted with snow balls and dared to 
fire, discharged their muskets upon the multitude, killing 
four persons and wounding others. 

The drums were instantly beat to arms, several thou- 
sand people assembled, who, enraged by the sight of the 
dead bodies of their fellow citizens, slain in a cause dear 
to them all, prepared to attack a larger detachment which 
had been sent to support their comrades. In this state 
of excitement, they were addressed by lieutenant-governor 
Hutchinson, who appeared in the midst of them. Though 
personally obnoxious, he calmed their fury, and prevailed 
upon them to disperse until morning. 

The next day, captain Preston and his party were ar- 
rested and committed to prison. The citizens met and ap- 
pointed a committee to demand the immediate removal 
of the troops from the town. At this meeting, Samuel 
Adams, an inflexible patriot, was distinguished for his de- 
cision and boldness. After some hesitation, on the part of 
the commanding officer, they were sent to castle William, 
and were accompanied by several officers of the customs 
who dreaded the indignation of the people. 

Three days afterwards, the funeral of the deceased took 
place. It was conducted with great pomp and unusual 
ceremonies, expressive of the pubHc feeling. The shops 
were closed. The bells of Boston, Roxbury,and Charles- 
town were tolled. Four processions, moving from dif- 
ferent parts of the town, met at the fatal spot, and pro- 
ceeded thence towards the place of interment. This 
united procession comprised an immense number of peo- 
ple on foot and in carriages, all displaying the deepest grief 
and indignation. The bodies were deposited together in 
the same vault. 

13* 



130 REVOLUTIOBT. 1770. 

When the passions of the people had in some degree 
subsided, captain Preston and his soldiers were brought to 
trial. They were defended by John Adams, and Josiah 
Q,uincy, two able lawyers, and distinguished leaders of the 
popular party. For nearly six weeks, the court were em- 
ployed in examining witnesses, and in listening to the argu- 
ments of counsel. Captain Preston, not having ordered 
his men to fire, was acquitted by the jury. Of the sol- 
diers, six were also acquitted, there being no positive tes- 
timony that they fired upon the people ; and two were ac- 
quitted of murder, as great provocation was offered, but 
found guilty of manslaughter. — A result evincing the in- 
tegrity of the jury and the magnanimity and uprightness of 
the counsel for the accused. 

While these events were occurring in the colonies, an 
attempt, supported by the prime minister, was made in 
England, to repeal all the laws for raising a revenue in 
America. The parliament, with a mixture of timidity and 
obstinacy, characteristic of the councils of the nation at 
that period, relinquished all the duties but that on tea, and 
this they unwisely retained to assert and display their su- 
premacy over the colonies. 

This partial repeal produced no change in the senti- 
ments of the people. By rendering the contest more 
clearly a contest of principle, it sanctified their conduct in 
their own view and ennobled it in that of the world. The 
non-importation agreements, however, were made to cor- 
respond with the altered law. Tea only was to be ex- 
cluded from the country ; and this article of luxury was 
banished from the tables of all who were friendly to AmCi. 
rican rights. 



CHAPTER XVf. 
REVOLUTION. 



The years 1771 and 1772 were not distinguished by anv 
important event. The southern colonies, raore agricul- 
tural than commercial, suffered but little from the opera ■ 
tion of the laws of trade, and having mostly popular go- 
vernors, continued tranquil In Massachusetts, various 
causes contributed, to increase the discontent which pre- 
viously existed. Governor Hutchinson, having adjourned 
the general court to Salem, refused, notwithstanding reite- 
rated remonstrances, to permit them to return to Boston. 
He withdrew the provincial troops from the castle and 
supplied their place with regulars, as the British troops 
were then called. He declined receiving his salary from 
the colonial treasury, stating that his majesty had assigned 
to him, and also to the judges, permanent and honorable 
salaries, to be paid in Great Britain. These measures 
were highly unpopular, and especially the last which re- 
leased those officers from all dependence on the people. 

To ascertain the sentiments of the inhabitants ; to en- 
lighten the remotest parts of the province by diffusing in- 
telligence, and distributing political essays ; and to pro- 
duce concert in measures, James Warren and Samuel 
Adams suggested and procured the appointment, in every 
town, of committees of correspondence, l-y the agency 
of these, resolutions and addresses, sometimes inflamma- 
tory and always spirited, were speedily conveyed through 
the country, arousing the attention of all and exhorting to 
perseverance in the cause of liberty. This example was 
soon after followed in other colonies ; and in 1773, at the 
suggestion of the Virginia assembly, standing committees 
vvere appointed, by the colonial legislatures, to correspontl 



152 KEVOLUTION. 1773. 

with each other. This institution, when more active op- 
position became necessary, was found extremely useful. 

In this year, Dr. Franklin obtained in London a number 
of original letters from governor Hutchinson, lieutenant- 
governor Oliver and others, to their correspondents in par- 
liament. In these letters, the opposition in Massachu- 
setts was stated to be confined to a (ew factious individuals 
who had been emboldened by the weakness of the means 
used to restrain them. Measures more vigorous were 
recommended : and the ministry were urged to take from 
the people and exercise themselves the power of appoint- 
ing counsellors and all colonial magistrates. These letters 
he transmitted to Boston. 

The source and occasion of the offensive proceedings of 
parliament were now disclosed. The passions of the peo- 
ple were highly inflamed, and the weight of popular indig- 
nation fell upon the authors of these letters. The central 
committee of correspondence, at Boston, sent printed co- 
pies, enclosed in a spirited circular, to all the towns in the 
province. And the general court, in several resolutions 
which were also published, animadverted with severity 
upon the misrepresentations and advice contained in the 
letters, thus increasing the irritation which their discovery 
and perusal had occasioned. 

Meanwhile the tea of the East India company, not finding 
a market in America, accumulated in their warehouses in 
England. Encouraged by the government, they resolved 
to export it on their own account, and appointed con- 
signees in the various sea-ports in the colonies. Those 
in Philadelphia were induced, by the disapprobation ex- 
pressed by the citizens, to decline their appointment. In 
New York, spirited handbills were circulated menacing 
with ruin every person who should be concerned in vend- 
ing tea, and requiring the pilots, at their peril, not to con- 
duct ships, loaded with that article, into the harbor. Inti- 
midated by these procpedings, the captains of the tea 
ships, bound to those ports, returned with their cargoes 
to England. 

In Boston, inflammatory handbills were also circulated, 
and meetings held ; but the consignees, being mostly rela- 
tives of the governor, and relying on his support, refused 
to decline their appointments. Their refusal enraged the 



HIS. REVOLUTiorf. 163 

citizens, and the community became agitated by the opera- 
lion of highly excited passions. Meetings were more fre- 
quently held. The committees of correspondence were 
every where active. The people of the country exhorted 
their brethren in Boston to act worthy of their former 
character, worthy of ''Sons of Liberty," upon whose con- 
duct, in the present emergency, every thing depended* 

On the 29th of November, a ship, laden with tea, came 
into the harbor. Notitications were immediately posted 
up inviting every friend to his country to meet forthwith 
and concert united resistance to the arbitrary measures of 
Britain. A crowded meeting was held, and a resolution 
adopted, " that the tea should not be landed, that no duty 
should be paid, and that it should be sent back in the same 
vessel." A watch was also organized to prevent it fron^ 
being secretly brought on shore. 

A short time was then allowed for the captain to prepare 
to return home with his cargo. Governer Hutchinson refu- 
sed to grant him the requisite permission to pass the castle. 
Other vessels, laden with tea, arrived. The agitation 
increased, and on the IBth of December, the inhabitants of 
Boston and the adjoining towns assembled to determine 
what course should be pursued. At this important meet- 
ing, Josiah (4,umcy, desirous that the consequences of the 
measures to be adopted should be tirst seriously contem- 
plated, thus addressed his fellow citizens. 

"It is not. Mi. Moderator, the spirit that vapors within 
these walls that will sustain us in the hour of need. The 
proceedings of this day will call forth events which will 
make a very different spirit necessary for our salvation. 
Whoever supposes that shouts and hosannas will terminate 
our trials, entertains a childish fancy. We must be grossly 
ignorant of the value of the prize for which we contend; 
we must be equally ignorant of the power of those who have 
combined against us ; we must be blind to that inveterate 
malice and insatiable revenge which actuate our enemies, 
abroad and in our bosom, to hope that vve shall end this 
controversy without the sharpest conflicts— or to flatter 
ourselves that popular resolves, popular harangues, and 
popular acclamations, will vanquish our foes. Let us con- 
sider the issue ; let us look to the end, let us weigh and de- 
liberate, before vve advance to those metisures which must 



154 REVOLUTION". 1774. 

bring on the most trying and terrible struggle this country 
ever saw." 

In the evening the question was put, " Do you abide by 
your former resolution to prevent the landing of the tea V' 
The vote was unanimous in the affirmative. Apphcation 
was again made to the governor for a pass. After a short 
delay, his refusal was communicated to the assembly. In- 
stantly a person, disguised like an Indian, gave the war hoop 
from the gallery. At this signal, the people rushed out of 
the house and hastened to the wharves. About twenty per- 
sons, in the dress of Mohawks, boarded the vessels and, 
protected by the crowd on shore, broke open three hun- 
dred and forty-two chests of tea and emptied their contents 
into the ocean. Their purpose accomplished, the multi- 
tude returned without tumult to their habitations. 

These proceedings excited the anger of parliament and 
the displeasure of the British nation. Punishrnent, not 
a change of measures, was resolved upon. An act, clo- 
sing the port of Boston, and removing the custom house 
to Salem, was passed, and was to continue in force until 
compensation should be made for the tea destroyed ; an- 
other act was passed, taking from the general court and giv- 
ing to the crown the appointment of counsellors ; and gene- 
ral Gage was made governor in the place of Mr. Hutchinson. 

Intelligence of the Boston port bill occasioned a meeting 
of the citizens of the town ; they were sensible that " the 
most trying and terrible struggle" was indeed now ap- 
proaching, but felt unawed by its terrors. They sought 
not to shelter themselves from the storm by submission, 
but became more resolute as it increased. They declared 
the act to be unjust and inhuman, and invited their breth- 
ren in the other colonies to unite with them in a general 
nonimportation agreement. 

A similar spirit parvaded and animated the whole coun- 
try. Addresses from the adjacent towns, and from every 
part of the continent, were sent to the citizens of Boston, 
applauding their resolution, exhorting them to persever- 
ance, and assuring them that they were considered as suf- 
fering in a common cause. In Virginia, the first day of 
June, when the law began to operate, was observed as a 
public and solemn fast. With devout feelings, the divine 
interposition was imploredj in all the churches, to avert the 



1114. REvoLtTiosr, 155 

evils of civil war, and to give to the people one heart and 
one mind, firraly to oppose every invasion of their liberty. 

The same day was observed, with similar solemnity, in 
most of the other colonies ; and thus an opportunity was 
presented to the ministers of the gospel to dispense politi- 
cal instruction, to paint, in vivid colors, the sufferings of 
the citizens of Boston, and to warn their congregations, 
that, should Great Britain succeed in her schemes, the dan- 
ger to their religious would be as great as to their civil pri- 
vileges ; that a tame submission to the will of parliament, 
would inevitably be followed by bishops, tithes, test acts, 
and ecclesinstical tribunals. 

The sufferings of the inhabitants of Boston were indeed 
severe. Nearly all were compelled to be idle. Many, by 
loss of employment, lost their sole means of support. In 
this extremity, contributions in money and provisions were 
forwarded to them from all the colonies, as proofs of sym- 
pathy in their distresses, and of approbation of their having 
met and manfully withstood the first shock of arbitrary 
power. 

Gradually and constantl}' had the minds and feelings of 
the Americans been preparing for this important crisis. 
That enthusiastic patriotism which elevates the soul above 
all considerations of interest or danger had now become 
their ruling passion. The inhabitants of Salem spurned 
advantages to be derived from the punishment inflicted on 
a sister town, for its zeal in a sacred and common cause. 
" We must," said they, in a remonstrance to the governor, 
"be dead to every idea of justice, lost to all feelings of hu- 
manity ; could we indulge one thought, to seize on wealth, 
and raise our fortunes from the ruin of our suffering neigh- 
bors.'* 

In June, the general court assembled at Salem, and 
among their first acts were, the recommendation of a con- 
tinental congress, which had been suggested by the com- 
mittee of correspondence in Virginia, and the choice of 
delegates to attend it. While engaged, with closed doors, 
in this business, governor Gage, who had received a pri- 
vate intimation of their purposes, dissolved the court by a 
proclamation which was read uptn the steps. In all the 
other colonies, except Georgia, delegates were also 
chosen. 



156 REVOLtJTIOX. 1774, 

On the 5th of September, these delegates met at Phila- 
ilelphia. Peyton Randolph, of Virginia, was unanimously 
elected president, and Charles Thompson, secretary. It 
was determined that each colony should have but one vote, 
whatever might be the number of its deputies, and that 
all their transactions, except such as they might resolve 
to publish, should be kept mviolably secret. 

Resolutions were then adopted, expressing the sym- 
pathy of congress in the suflferings of their countrymen in 
Massachusetts, and highly approving the wisdom and forti- 
tude of their conduct. They also resolved that the im- 
portation of goods from Great Britain should cease on the 
first day of the succeeding December, and all exports to 
that country on the lOth of September, 1775, unless Ame- 
rican grievances should be sooner redressed. These re- 
solutions possessed no legal force, but never were laws 
more faithtull}' observed. 

In other resolutions, they enumerated certain rights, 
which, as men and English subjects, " they claimed, de- 
manded, and insisted on ;" and recounted numerous viola- 
tions of those rights by parliament. Addresses to the peo- 
ple of Great Britain, to the inhabitants of Canada, and to 
their constituents, were prepared and published ; and an 
tlffectionate petition to the king was agreed upon. 

In these able and important state papers, the claims, 
principles, and feelings of their constituents are clearly 
and eloquently set forth. They glow with the love of 
liberty, they display a determination, too firm to be shaken, 
to defend and preserve it at every hazard ; they contain 
the strongest professions of attachment to the mother 
country, and of loyalty to the king. A desire of indepen- 
dence is expressly disavowed. " Place us," say the con- 
gress, "in the situation we were in, at the close of the 
last war, and our former harmony will be restored." 
"We ask," say they in their petition, "but for peace, 
liberty, and safety. We wish not a diminution of the pre- 
rogative, nor do we solicit the grant of any new right in our 
fiivor. Your royal authority over us, and our connexion 
with Great Britain, we shall always carefully and zealous- 
ly endeavor to support and maintain." 

These papers, going forth to the world, made the cause 
©f the colonies known throughout Europe, and conciliated 



1774. REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 157 

those who had embraced liberal principles in politics, oi* 
felt displeasure at the pride and haughtiness of Britain. 
Their tone of manly energy, and the knowledge they dis- 
played of political science, excited universal applause and 
admiration. 

"When your Lordships," said Mr. Pitt, in the British 
senate, " have perused the papers transmitted to us from 
America; when you consider the dignity, the firmness, 
and the wisdom, with which the Americans have acted, 
you cannot but respect their cause. History, my Lords, 
has been my favorite study ; and in the celebrated writ- 
ings of antiquity I have often admired the patriotism of 
Greece and Rome ; but, my Lords, I must declare and 
nvow, that in the master states of the world, I know not 
the people nor the senate, who, in such a complication of 
difficult circumstances, can stand in preference to the de- 
legates of America assembled in general congress at Phila- 
delphia. I trust that it is obvious to your Lordships, 
that all attempts to impose servitude upon such men, to 
establish despotism over such a mighty continental nation, 
must be vain, must be futile." 

In America, the proceedings of congress were read with 
enthusiasm and veneration. Their reasonings confirmed 
the conviction, strongly felt by nearly the whole people, 
of the perfect justice of their cause. In the address to 
themselves, they were admonished " to extend their views 
to mournful events, and to be in all respects prepared for 
every contingency " Great efforts were consequently 
made to provide arms and all the munitions of war. Inde- 
pendent companies were formed; voluntary trainings were 
frequent ; the old and the young, the rich and the poor 
devoted their hours of amusement and of leisure, to ex- 
ercises calculated to fit them to act a part in the anticipated 
conflict. The country was alive with the bustle of pre- 
paration, and, in every countenance, could be read the ex- 
pectation of important transactions in which all must par- 
ticipate. 

Complete unanimity, however, did not exist. Some of 
the late emigrants from England, the most of those who 
held offices by her appointment, many whose timidity 
magnified her power, clung to her authority, and as the 
crisis approached, declared themselves her adherents. 

14 



158 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 1774- 

These were denominated tories ; the friends of liberty^ 
whigs— names by which the advocates of arbitrary power, 
and the friends of constitutional liberty, were distinguished 
in England. 

General Gage, who had been recently appointed go- 
vernor of Massachusetts, withdrew, from other posts on 
the continent, several regiments of troops, and encamped 
them on the common, in Boston. He afterwards erected 
fortifications on the Neck, a narrow isthmus which unites 
the town with the main land ; and on the night of the first 
of September, he seized the powder deposited in the pro- 
vincial arsenal at Cambridge. 

The people, meanwhile, were not idle. They appointed 
delegates to a provincial congress, which assembled in the 
beginning of October. Mr. Hancock was chosen presi- 
dent, and the delegates resolved. That, for the defence of 
the province, a military force, to consist of one fourth of 
the militia, should be organized and stand ready to march 
at a minute's warning ; that money ^houlcl bf^ raised to 
purchase military stores ; and they appointed a commit- 
tee of supplies, and a committee of safety, to sit during 
the recess. 

The more southern provinces, particularly Pennsylva- 
nia, Virginia, and Mar3/land, displayed the same love oi' 
liberty and determination to resist ; provincial congresses 
were convened, committees appointed, and resolutions 
passed, designed and adapted to animate those who, in 
Massachusetts, stood in the post of danger, and to excite in 
all hearts that devotion to country which is alone capable 
of sustaining a people in an arduous struggle with a supe-" 
perior foe. 

In the parliament of Great Britain, American affairs 
came on to be discussed, in the beginning of the year 
1775. Several plans of conciliation were brought for- 
ward by the opposition and rejected ; but one, proposed 
by Lord North, the prime minister, was adopted. The 
purport of it was, that if any colony would engage to con- 
tribute a sum satisfactory to his majesty, for the c^jmmou 
defence, the parliament would forbear to tax that colony, 
so long as the contribution was punctually paid. This 
plan conceded nothing. To weaken the colonies by di- 
viding them was so evidently the object, that all indig- 
nantly spurned the proffered terms. 



1775. EEVOLUTIONAPvY WAR. 159 

In connexion with this conciliatory proposition, as it 
was called, measures of punishment and intimidation were 
adopt''d. The northern colonies were prohibited from 
fishing on the banks of Newfoundland, additional restric- 
tions were imposed upon the trade of all of them, and 
several ships of the line, and ten thousand troops, were 
sent to Aaierica. 

In the debates in parliament, the friends of the colonies, 
although few^ were atiitnated in their praise and eloquent 
in their defence. The adherents of the ministry indulged 
in the grossest abuse and ridicule. The Americans, ihey 
said, were naturally cowards, habitually lazy, and constitu- 
tionally feeble; they were incapable of discipline ; and_a 
small for e would be sufficient to conquer them. This 
Ignorance of their character, which was general through- 
out England, doubtless caused the mmistry to persist in 
measures which, had their information been correct, they 
would never have ventured to undertake. 

On the evening of the 18th of April, general Gage des- 
patched from Boston a body of eight hundred troops, to 
destroy a quantity of provisions and military stores depo- 
sited bv vhe committee of supplies, at Concord. Intelli- 
gence of thib movement was sent to Lexington and Concord 
a few hours before the trooi/s embarked. The ringing of 
bells and the firing of signal guns brought the minute men 
together. Early the next morning, those of Lexington as- 
sembled on the green near the meeting-house. A few 
minutes afterwards, the advanced body of the regulars ap- 
proached within musket shot. Major Pitcairn, riding for- 
ward, exclaimed, ** Disperse, you rebels, throw down your 
arms and disperse." Not being instantly obeyed, he dis- 
chjifged hi? pistol and ordered his men to fire. They fired 
and killed several. The militia dispersed ; but the firing 
continued. In the whole, eight were killed, some of 
whom were shot in their concealment behind the fences. 

The detachment proceeded to Concord. The minute 
men of that town had also assembled; but, being few in 
number^ they retired on the approach of the regulars. 
These entered the town and destroyed the provisions and 
stores. The minute men were reinforced and advanced 
jigain towards the regulars. A skirmish ensued, in which 
captain DaviSj of Actonj was killed, The British troops 



/ 

160 REVOLUTIOKTARY WAR. 1775, 

were compelled to retreat, leaving behind them several 
killed and wounded. 

The whole country was no\« in arms, and the troops re- 
treated with precipitation. The militia not only pressed 
upon their rear, but placed themselves singly behind trees 
and stone walls, and, from these secure coverts, fired upon 
them as they passed. At Lexington they met a reinforce- 
ment under Lord Percy, which general Gage had des- 
patched on receiving information of the occurrences there 
in the morning. 

After resting a moment, the whole body proceeded to- 
wards Boston. In their progress they were more and 
more harassed by the provincials, uhose number hourly 
increased, and who became in proportion more adventur- 
ous. Having an intimate knowledge of all the roads, they 
could pursue with less fatigue, and meet the enemy unex- 
pectedly at the various windings ; and being all expe- 
rienced marksmen, their shots seldom failed of effect. At 
sunset, the r<gulars, almost overcome with fatigue, passed 
along Charlestown Neck, and found, on Bunker's Hill, a 
place of security and repose. 

In this engagement, sixty-five of the royal forces were 
killed, one hundred and eighty wounded, and twenty-eight 
made prisoners. Of the provincials, fifty were killed, 
thirty-four were wounded, and four were missing. The 
killed were lamented and honored as the firs^ martyrs in 
the « ause of liberty. In the various sections of country 
from which they came, hatred of Great Britain took still 
deeper root ; and New-England, connected more than any 
other part of the world, as one great family, by the closest 
intimacy of all the inhabitants, universally felt ihe depriva- 
tion with a mixed feeling of sorrow and rage, 

Intr>lligence of the battle of Lexington spread rapidly 
through Massachusetts, and the adjoining provinces. The 
farmer left his plough in the furrow, the mechanic dropped 
the utensil in his hand, and seizing their arms, all hastened 
to the environs of Boston. In a few days, a large army 
was assembled, which, under the command of general 
Ward, of Massachusetts, and general Putnam, of Connecti- 
cut, closely invested the town, and alarmed general Gage 
for the safety of his garrison, 



1775. REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 161 

In the remoter provinces, the intelligence was consi- 
dered of solemn and alarming import. The great drama 
was opened, and the part which each should take must im- 
mediately be chosen. By many a resort to arms had never 
been anticipated. To them, the decision was more painful : 
but all the colonies, except Georgia, adopted at once the 
heroic resolution to unite their fortunes with those of 
New-England. 

Connecticut had poured forth her full proportion of 
hardy yeomanry to man the lines around Boston ; but 
several, who remained at home, conceived the project of 
surprising Ticonderoga, a fortified post on the western 
shore of lake Champlain, and commanding the entrance 
into Canada. They communicated their design to colonel 
Ethan Allen, of Vermont, who, upon their arrival at Castle- 
ton with forty men, met them there at the head of two hun- 
dred and thirty Green Mountain boys. The next day. 
captain Benedict Arnold, of Connecticut, who, upon the 
lirst alarm, had repaired to Boston, arrived from that 
place, having conceived the same project and been autho- 
rized, b}^ the committee of safety in Massachusetts, to un- 
dertake it. 

Allen and Arnold, at the head of the Green Mountain 
boys, hastened to Ticonderoga, and the remainder of the 
party to Skeensborough. On the night of the ninth of 
Af^3^ about eighty, all that the boats could carry, crossed 
ilie lake, and, at dawn of day, landed near the fortress. 
They advanced to the gateway. A sentinel snapped his 
fusee at colonel Allen and retreated. The Americans, fol- 
lowing, found the commander in bed. Colonel Allen de- 
manded the surrender of the fort. " By what authority do 
you demand it?" *' In the name," replied Allen, *'of the 
Great .Tehovah and the Contmental Congress." The Bri- 
tish officer, having but fifty men, saw that resistance would 
be vain, and agreed to surrender. 

When the remainder of the party arrived, they were 
despatched, under colonel Seth Warner, to take possession 
of Crown Point ; and Arnold, hastily manning a schooner, 
sailed to capture a sloop of war lying at the outlet of the 
lake. These two expeditions, as well as that against 
Skeensborough, were successful ; and thus was obtained, 
without bloodshed, the command of those important posts, 

14* 



162 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 1775v 

together with more than one hundred pieces of cannon, 
and other munitions of war. The unexpected news of 
this brilliant success imparted higher courage and anima- 
tion to the Americans. 

Most of the militia, who had repaired to Boston, returned 
soon after to their homes, but a sufficient number remain- 
ed, posted near the Neck, to prevent the British from 
leaving the town by land. Between detachments from 
these and parties of regulars, who were often sent to col- 
lect forage on the islands in the harbor, frequent skirmishes 
took place, in most of which the Americans were success- 
ful. 

In the beginning of June, several transports, filled with 
troops, commanded by generals Howe, Clinton, and Bur- 
goyne, arrived from England, and general Gage began to 
act with more decision and vigor. He issued a proclama- 
tion declaring those in arms, and all who aided them, rebels 
and traitors, and threatened to punish them as such, unless 
they immediately returned to their peaceful occupations. 
He promised his majesty's pardon to all who should in this 
manner give proof of their repentance and amendment, ex- 
cepting Samuel Adams and John Hancock, whose crimes, 
he alleged, were too flagitious to admit of pardon. 

This proclamation, and the arrival of the troops, far 
from dismaying, aroused the people to greater activity and 
watchfulness. Again the militia assembled and surrounded 
Boston. Unwilling to endure the inconvenience and dis- 
grace of this confinement, general Gage made preparation 
to penetrate, with a portion of his army, into the country^. 
To prevent this, the provincial generals resolved to occupy 
Bunker's Hill, an eminence in Charlestown, situated on a 
peninsula that approaches near to Boston. 

On the evening of the 16th of June, a thousand men, 
under the command of colonel Prescot, of Massachusetts, 
colonel Stark from New-Hampshire, and captain Knowlton^ 
from Connecticut, were despatched on this service. They 
were conducted, by mistake, to Breed's Hill, which was 
nearer to the water and to Boston, than Bunker's. At 
twelve o'clock, they began to throw up entrenchments, 
and by dawn of day, had completed a redoubt eight rods 
square. As soon as they were discovered, they were fired 
upon from a ship of war and several floating batteries lying 



1T75. REVOLUTIOSTARY WAR. l62 

near, and from a fortification in Boston opposite the re- 
doubt. The Americans, nevertheless, encouraged by 
general Putnam, who often visited them on the hill, con- 
tinued to labor until the}' had finished a slight breastwork 
extending from the redoubt eastward to the water. And 
in the morning they received a reinforcement of five hun- 
dred men. 

The temerity of the provincials astonished and incensed 
general Gage, and he determined to drive them immediate- 
ly from their position. About noon, a body of three thou- 
sand regulars, commanded by general Howe, left Boston in 
boats, and landed in Charlestown, at the extreme point of 
the peninsula. Generals Clinton and Burgoynetook their 
station on an eminence in Boston, commanding a distinct 
view of the hill. The spires of the churches, the roofs 
of the houses, and all the heights in the neighborhood 
were covered with people, waiting, in dreadful anxiety, to 
witness the approaching battle. 

The regulars, forming at the place of landing, marched 
slowly up the hill, halting frequently to allow time to the 
artillery to demolish the works. While advancing, the 
village of Charlestown, containing about four hundred 
houses, was set on fire by order of general Gage. The 
flames ascended to a lofty height, presenting a sublime 
and magnificent spectacle. The Americans reserved their 
fire until the British were within ten rods of the redoubt ; 
then, taking a steady aim, they began a furioiis dif^charge. 
Entire ranks of the assailants fell. The enemy halted and 
returned the fire ; but that from the redoubt continuing 
incessant and doing great execution, they retreated in baste 
and disorder down the hill, some even taking refuge in their 
boats". 

The officers were seen running hither and thither, col- 
lecting, arranging and addressing their men, who were at 
length induced again to ascend the hill; The Americans 
now reserved their fire until the enemy had approached 
even nearer than before, when a tremenduous volley wa? 
at once poured upon them. Terrified by the carnage 
around them, they again retreated with precipitation, and 
such was the panic that general Howe was left almost 
alone on the hill side, his troops having deserted him and 
nearly every officer areund him being killed. 



164 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 1776. 

At this moment, general Clinton, who had observed from 
Boston the progress of the battle, feeling that British honor 
was at stake, hastened with a reinforcement to the assist- 
ance of his countrymen.. By his exertions, the troops were 
a third time rallied, and were compelled by the officers, 
who marched behind thefn with drawn swords, to advance 
again towards the Americans. The fire from the ships and 
batteries was redoubled, and a few pieces of cannon had 
been so placed as to rake the interior of the breast work 
from end to end. 

The provincials, having expended their ammunition, 
awaited in silence the approach of the regulars. The lat- 
ter entered the redoubt. The former, having no bayonets, 
defended themselves, for a short time, with the butt end of 
their muskets. From this unequal contest they were soon 
compelled to retire. As they retreated over Charlestown 
Neck, the fire from the floating batteries was incessant : 
but, providentially, a few only were killed. The enemy 
had sustained too much injury to think of pursuit. 

In this desperate and bloody conflict, the royal forces 
consisted, as has been stated, of three thousand men, and 
the provincials of but fifteen hundred. Of the former, 
ten hundred and fifty-four were killed and wounded ; of the 
latter, four hundred and fifty-three. This disparity of loss. 
the steadiness and bravery displayed by their recent, un- 
disciplined levies, occasioned among the Americans the 
highest exultation, and, in their view, more than counter- 
balanced the loss of position. If this is a British victory, 
how many such victories, they triumphantly asked, can their 
army achieve without ruin ? 

But deep and heart-felt sorrow was intermingled with 
their rejoicings. Among the killed, was doctor Warren, a 
patriot, who, at an early period, had espoused with warmth 
the cause of freedom ; who had displayed gieal intrepedit}' 
in several skirmishes ; had four days before been elected 
major general ; and had, on the fatal day, hastened to the 
field of battle, to serve his country as a volunteer. For 
his many virtues, his elegant manners, his generous devo- 
tion to his cou itry, his high attainments in political science, 
he was beloved and respected by his republican associates ; 
and to him their afl'ections pointed as a future leader, in a 
cause dear to their hearts, and intimately connected with 
their glory. 



1775. REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 165 

In the midst of these military transactions, a continental 
congress assembled at Philadelphia. It comprised delegates 
from twelve colonies, all of whom were animated \\ith a 
determined spirit of opposition to parliamentary taxation. 
A majority, however, had not yet formed the hardy reso- 
lution to separate from the mother country, and aim at in- 
dependence. The measures partook of the opposite feel- 
ings of the members. Mr. Hancock, the proscribed patriot, 
was chosen president ; thev resolved that another humble 
petition for redress of grievances, should be presented to 
the king; but they also resolved that means of defence 
should be immediately }>repared, and proceeded to the 
choice of officers to command their united forces. 

To induce the friends of liberty in the southern pro- 
vinces, to embark more warmly in the cause of resistance, 
the northern dt-legalt^s determined to give their suffrages, 
for a commander-in-chief, to a person residing in that quar- 
ter. F'ortunately, one was found eminently qualitied for 
the office. Bj? unanimous vote of the congress, George 
Washington, 'hen present as delegate from Virginia, was 
elected. H^ had served, with high reputation, in the late 
war with F ance ; was distinguished in his native profince 
for his military knowledge, his great wealth, the dignity of 
his deportment, his unsuspected integrity, and his ardent 
attachment to t-he interests of his country. 

The president, addressing him in his seat, announced to 
him the choice whirh the congress had made. Washington 
declared his acceptance with a diffidence which gave to his 
great talents a briiihter luster; and assured congress that, 
as no pecuniary compensation could have tempted him to 
accept the office, at the sav-rifice of his domestic ease and 
happiness, he would receive no pay, and would ask only 
the remuneration of his expenses. Artemas Ward, Charles 
Lee, Philip Schuyler, and Israel Putnam, were then chosen 
major generals, and Horatio Gates adjutant general. Lee 
had lately held the office of colonel, and Gates that of ma- 
jor, in the British army. 

Congress also resolved that, for defraying the expenses 
which might be incurred, bills of credit, or paper money, 
to the amount of three millions of dollars, should be issued, 
and pledged the colonies for their redemption. A solemn 
gnd dignified declaration, setting forth the causes and ne- 



166 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 1775. 

eessity of taking up arms, was prepared to be published to 
the army in orders, and to the people from the pulpit. Af- 
ter particularizing the aggressions of Great Britain, u ith the 
energy of men feeling unmerited injury, they exclaim : 

'' But why should we enumerate our injuries in detail ? 
By one statute it is declared that parliament can of right 
make laws to bind us in all cases \vhatsoe?er. What is to 
defend us against so enormous, so unlimited a power ? Not 
a single man of those who assume it, was chosen by us, or 
is subject to our control! or influence ; but, on the contrary, 
they are all of them exempt from the operation of such 
laws, and an American revenue, if not diverted from the 
ostensible purposes for which it is raised, would actually 
lighten their own burdens, in proportion as it increases 
ours. We saw the misery to which such despotism would 
reduce us. We, for ten 3'ears, incessantly and ineffectually 
besieged the throne as supplicants ; we reasoned, we re- 
monstrated with parliament in the most mild and decent 
language. 

" We are now reduced to the alternative of choosing an 
unconditional submission to the will of irritated ministers, 
or resistance i>y force. The latter is our choice. We have 
counted the cost of this contest, and find nothing so dread- 
ful as voluntary slavery. Honor, justice, and humanity, for- 
bid us trimely to surrender that freedom which ^^ e received 
from our gallant ancestors, and which our innocent posteri- 
ty have a right to receive from us. VV e cannot endure the 
infamy and guilt of resigning succeeding generations to that 
wretchedness vhich inevitably awaits them if we basely en- 
tail hereditary bondage upon them. 

" Our cause is just ; our union is perfect. Our internal 
resources are great ; and, if neces^sary, foreign assistance 
is undoubtedly attainable. We gratefully acknowledge, as 
a signal instance of the divine favor towards us, that his pro- 
vidence would not permit us to be called into this severe con- 
troversy, until we were grownup to our present strength, 
had been previously exercised in warlike operations, and 
possessed the means of defending ourselves, 

'' With hearts fortified by these animating reflections,.we 
most solemnly, before God and the world, declare, that 
exerting the utmost energy of those powers, which our be- 
ueficent Creator hath graciously bestowedj the arms w© 



1775. REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 367 

have been compelled by our enemies to assume, we will^ 
in defiance of every hazard, with unabating tirmness and 
perseverance, employ for the preservation of our liberties, 
being, with one mind, resolved to die freemen rather than 
to live slaves." 

Soon after his election, general Washington, accompa- 
nied by general Lee, and several other gentlemen, set out 
for the camp at Cambridge. In every place through which 
he passed, he received the highest honors. A committee 
from the provincial congress of Massachusetts, repaired to 
Springfield, to meet and conduct him to head-quarters, 
where an other committee presented him a respectful and 
affectionate address. 

He found the army, consisting of fourteen thousand men^ 
posted on the heights around Boston, forming a line which 
extended from Roxbury on the right, to the river Mystic 
on the left, a distance of twelve miles. The irocrf)s were 
ardently devoted to the cause of liberty, but destitute of 
discipline, averse to subordination, without powder, with- 
out tents, and without most of the conveniences usually 
provided for regular armies. 

With the assistance of general Gates, he introduced some 
degree of regularity and system. Several barrels of pow- 
der were obtained fVom New- Jersey, and captain Manly, 
commander of the privateer, Lee, captured an ordnance 
ship, containing arms, ammunition, and a complete assort- 
ment of such working tools as were most needed in the 
American camp. This providential capture was followed 
by others which supplied the most pressing wants of the 
army, enabled it to continue, through the year, the blockade 
of Boston, and contributed greatly to distress the enemy, 
for whose use the cargoes were destined. 

Events occurring this year, in the southern colonies, still 
farther weakened the attachment of the people to Great 
Britain. In Virginia, Lord Dunmore, the governor, seized 
by night, some powder belonging lo the colony, and con- 
veyed it on board a British ship in James river. Intelli- 
gence of this transaction reaching Patrick Henry, he placed 
himself at the head of the independent companies in his vi- 
cinity, and marched towards tlie seat of government, with 
the avowed purpose of obtaining, by force, restitution of 
the powder, or its value. He was met by a messenger. 



16S REVOLUTIONARY WAH. l77o. 

who paid nim the value of the powder, when he and the 
mihtia returned to their homes. 

Alarmed by this display of sipirit and patriotism, Lord 
Dunmore fortified his palace. From this castle, he issued 
a proclamation charging Henry and his associates with re- 
bellious practices, vhich offended the people, who highly 
approved their conduct. Other causes increasing the popu- 
lar ferment, he quitted his palace, and repaired to a ship of 
war then lying at Yorktown. 

In November, he issued another proclamation, offering 
freedom to those slaves belonging to rebel masters, who 
should join his majesty's troops at Yorktown. Several hun- 
dred, in consequence, repaired to that place. A body of 
militia immediately assembled, and, while posted near the 
city, were attacked, with great bravery, by the regulars, 
royalists, and negroes. The militia, repelling the attack 
with eqOal bravery, gained a decisive victory. Lord Dun- 
more then evacuated the city, and, followed by his white 
and black forces, sought refuge on board the ships of his 
majesty. Soon after, Norfolk, set on fire by his order, was 
mostly consumed, and its destruction was completed by the 
provincials, to prevent the enemy from deriving supplies 
from that quarter. 

The governor of North Carolina, following the example 
of Lord Dunmore, fortified his palace at Newbern. This 
caused a commotion among the people, which induced him 
to retire on board a ship in the harbor. While there, he 
made zealous exertions to organize a party in favor of the 
royal cause; and a band of Scotch Highlanders, settled in 
the interior country, listened to his persuasions. On their 
march to the sea coast, they were met by a party of mili- 
tia, who attacked and dispersed them. This early victory 
secured the predominance of the whigs, and crushed the 
hopes and spirits of the tories. 

South Carolina hadalway^a, with great unanimity and zeal, 
resisted parliamentary taxation ; and soon after the battle 
of Lexington, the governor, Lord William Campbell, ap- 
prehensive of danger to his person, retired from the pro- 
vince. In July, Georgia chose delegates to the continental 
congress, increasing to thirteen the number of the united 

COLONIES. 

The province of New- York contained many warm adro- 



n75. REVOLUTIONAHY WAR. ]Q[) 

Gates for freedom ; but its capital had so long been the head- 
quarters of the British army in America, that many of the 
principal inhabitants, having contracted intimate relations 
with British officers, had become devoted to the royal cause. 
The assembly, acting under their influence, declined t© 
choose delegates to the continental congress held in May, 
1775 ; but the people, a majority of vv^hom were actuated 
by different feelings, elected a provincial congress, by whom 
those delegates were chosen. • 

When intelligence of the battle of Lexington reached the 
city, captain Sears, an active and intrepid leader of the 
" sons of liberty," took effectual measures to prevent ves- 
sels bound to ports in America, where the royal cause pre- 
vailed, from sailing. An association was also formed, con* 
sisting of one thousand of the principal inhabitants, who 
bound themselves to assist in carrying into execution what- 
ever measure might be recommended, by the continental 
congress, to prevent the execution of the oppressive acts 
ef the British parliament. 

The ministry, desirous of retaining in obedience this im- 
portant colony, appointed Mr. Tryon, to be governor over 
it. He had before tilled the same office ; was a man of ad- 
dress, and greatly beloved by the people. He came fully 
empowered to gain adherents by dispensing promises and 
money at his discretion. The success of his intrigues alarm- 
ed congress, who, having particular reference to him, re- 
commended that *'all persons whose going at large might 
endanger the liberties of America, should be arrested and 
secured." Gaining early intelligence of this, he also sought 
refuge on board a ship in the harbor. 

Although the autumn of 1775 was not distinguished by 
any brilliant exploit, yet the time of congress and of the 
commander-in-chief, was not unprofitably employed. Con- 
stant attention was paid to the discipline of the troops ; ar- 
rangements were made to obtain a supply of military stores ; 
the buildingand equipmentof a naval force was commenced ; 
two expeditions were organized and despatched against 
Canada, one by the way of lake Champlain, the other of 
the river Kennebeck ; and general Lee, with twelve hun- 
dred volunteers from Connecticut, was directed to repair 
to New-York, and, with the aid of the inhabitants, fortify 
the city and the highlands. 

15 



170 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 1775. 

The abolition of all legal authority in the colonies was 
an evil for which, though less than had been anticipated, it 
was yet expedient to provide a remedy. New-Hampshire 
applied to congress for advice on this subject. A favorable 
opportunity was thus presented to the zealous patriots in 
congress, to propose a remedy for the evil, which should, 
at the same time, exhibit in practice the fundamental prin- 
ciple of their political creed ; that all legitimate authority 
must be derived from the people ; and should also prepare 
the way for their darling object, a declaration of inde- 
pendence. 

A resolution was introduced, recommending that a con- 
vention of representatives, freely elected by the people of 
that colony, should be called, for the purpose of establish- 
ing such a form of government as they might deem proper. 
It was warmly opposed by those members who were yet de- 
sirous of an accommodation with the mother country. An 
amendment being made, providing that the government es- 
tablished should continue in force no longer than the ex- 
isting contest with Great Britain, the resolution passed. 
Representatives were accordingly chosen, who, on the 5th 
of January, 1776, adopted a written constitution, acknow- 
ledging no source of power but the people. In other colo- 
nies, the same course was soon afterwards pursued. 

A transaction, displaying the vindictive feelings of the 
British, occurred in October. The ministry had issued or- 
ders to the officers of the navy to proceed, as in the case 
of actual rebellion, against all the colonial seaports accessi- 
ble to ships of war, which should discover symptoms of at- 
tachment to the cause of libert3^ Falmouth, a flourishing 
town in Massachusetts, having given some particular of- 
fence, its destruction, under color of these orders, was re- 
solved on, and captain Mowatt, with four ships, was des- 
patched on that service. 

The citizens made an effort, by negotiation, to avert their 
ruin ; but as the terms which were offered could not be ac- 
cepted without dishonor, they were at once rejected. The 
bombardment immediately commenced, the town wns set 
on fire, and four hundred buildings reduced to ashes. This 
wanton act of devastation was strongly reprobated through- 
out America, and served to inflame, rather than to intimi- 
date, the people. The town has since been rebuilt, its name 
changed to Portland, and it is now the capital of Maine. 



1775. REVOLUTIONARY WAR 171 

As the year 1775 drew near to a close, the condition of 
the army, employed in the blockade of Boston, engaged the 
attention of congress. A speedy adjustment of the dispute 
being at first expected, the men had been enlisted to serve 
only until the first of January. No prospect now appeared 
of an immediate accommodation. It was therefore resolved 
to form anew army, to consist of twenty thousand men, and 
to be raised, as far as practicable, from the troops then in 
service. Unfortunately it was determined, that the enlist- 
ments should be made for one year only, an error the con- 
sequences of which IV ere afterwards very severel}*^ felt. 

It was supposed that most of those whom patriotism had 
impelled to join the army, would continue in the service of 
their country ; but when the experiment was made, it was 
found that their ardor had considerably abated. The block- 
ade of Boston presented no opportunity of acquiring glory, 
by deeds of noble daring; the fatiguing duties of the camp 
wore upon their spirits, affected their health, and produced 
an unconquerable longing to revisit their homes. Notwith- 
standing the great exertions of general Washington, no more 
than half the estimated number had been enlisted at the 
close of the year. 

The people and the troops, supposing the army to be 
stronger than it was, expressed great dissatisfaction at the 
inactivity of the commander-in-chief, which some imputed 
to dishonorable motives. An attack upon Boston was loudly 
demanded. Washington three times proposed it to a coun- 
cil of war; but in every instance the decision was unani- 
mous against it. At the last time, however, the council re- 
commended that the town should be more closely invested. 
On the evening of the fourth of March, 1776, the attention 
of the enemy being diverted, by a brisk cannonade, to a dif- 
ferent quarter, a party of troops, under the command of 
general Thomas, took possession, in silence, of Dorchester 
heights, and with almost incredible industry, erected, be- 
fore morning, a line of fortifications which commanded the 
harbor and the town. 

The view of these works, raised like an exhalation from 
the earth, excited the astonishment of general Howe, who, 
on the resignation of general Gage, had been appointed 
commander-in-chief. He saw that he must immediately 
dislodge the Americans or evacuate the town. The next 



172 REVOLUTIONARV WAR,. 1776. 

day he ordered 3000 men to embark in boats and proceeded, 
by way of Castle Island, to attack the works on the heights. 
A furious storm dispersed them ; the fortifications, in the 
mean time, were rendered too strong to be forced ; and 
general Howe was compelled to seek safety in an immediate 
departure from Boston. 

Of the determination of the enemy to evacuate the town, 
general Washington was soon apprized. The event be- 
ing certain, he di,d not wish by an attack to hasten it, as 
the fortifications at New-York, to which place he pre- 
sumed they would repair, were not in sufficient forwardness 
to protect it. The embarcation was made on the 17th of 
March ; a few days after the whole fleet set sail, and the 
American army hastened, by divisions, to New-York. 

The acquisition of this important town occasioned 
great and general rejoicing. The thanks of congress were 
voted to general Washington and his troops, for their wise 
and spirited conduct, and a medal of gold was ordered to 
be struck in commemoration of the event. The British 
fleet, instead of conveying the troops to New-York, steer- 
ed for Halifax, having on board a large number of tories 
and their baggage. 



CHAPTER XVII. 
EXPEDITION AGAINST CANADA. 



It has been already stated, that two expeditions were des- 
patched against Canada. The command of that, which was 
to proceed oy way of lake Champlain, was given to gene- 
ral Schuyler of New-York. The number of troops to be 
employed was fixed at three thousand, and they were to be 
drawn from New-York and New-England, Governor 
Carleton, gaining intelligence of the project, despatched 
about eight hundred men to strengthen the works at St. 
Johns, on the river Sorel, a position commanding the usual 
entrance into Canada. 

Brigadier genera! Montgomery, a young officer of bril- 
liant talents, and ambitious of glory, was ordered to proceed 
in advance, with the troops, then in readines>s,and attack 
this important position, before it had been made too strong 
to be taken. When commencing his career, the glory and 
fate of Wolfe were present to his thoughts, and to his wife 
his parting words were, 'you shall never blush for your 
Montgomery " General Schuyler soon followed, and on 
arriving at Isle Aux Noix, in the vicinity of the British 
works, he addressed a proclamation to the Canadians, ex- 
horting them to join their brethren in the cause of freedom, 
and declaring that the American army came as friends of 
the inhabitants, and as enemies only of the British garrisons. 

The fortification at St. John** being found stronger than 
was anticipated, genera! Schuyler returned to Albany to 
hasten the departure of tiie remaining troops, artillery, and 
munitions of war. He was prevented, by a severe illness, 
from again joiningthe army, and the chief command devolved 
upon Montgomery. On receiving a reinforcement, he in- 
vested St Johns : but being yet almost destitute of battering 
cannon and of powder, he made no progress in the siege. 
And the soldiers, carrying with them into the field that at- 

15* 



174 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 17f5, 

tachment to liberty, and equality which gave birth to the 
contest, displayed such utter aversion to discipline and 
subordination as increased, in a great degree, his difficul- 
ties and vexations. 

Colonel Allen, the hero ofTiconderoga, had a command 
under Montgomery. Having been despatched, with Major 
Brown, into the interior of Canada, he was, on his return^ 
persuaded by the latter to undertake the rash project of at- 
tacking Montreal. He divided his detachment, consisting 
of less than three hundred men, into two parties, intending 
to assail the city at opposite points. Major Brown was 
prevented from executing his part of the enterprise. Colo- 
nel Allen and his small party, opposed by the whole force 
of the enemy under governor Carleton, fought with des- 
perate valor. Many were killed ; the survivers, over- 
powered by numbers, were compelled to surrender. The 
governor, viewing Allen, not as the intrepid soldier, but 
as a factious rebel, loaded him with irons and sent him to 
England for trial. 

On the 18th of October, a fortunate event brightened the 
prospects of the Americans. Fort Chamblee, situated 
several miles north of St. Johns, was supposed to be be- 
yond their reach, and was but slightly guarded. A detach- 
ment under majors Brown and Livingston, attacking it un- 
expectedly, gained possession of it with little loss. Seve- 
ral pieces of cannon, and 1^0 barrels of powder, were the 
fruits of the victory. The Americans, encouragjed by 
success, immediately, in defiance of the continual fire of 
the enemy, erected a battery near fort St. Johns, and made 
preparations for a severe cannonade, and an assault, if ne- 
cessary. 

At this juncture, Montgomery received intelligence of an 
action between governor Carleton and a body of Green 
Mountain boys commanded by Colonel Warner. The for- 
mer, elated by his victory over Allen, collected about 
eight hundred regulars, militia and Indians, with the view of 
raising the siege of St. Johns. In full confidence of success, 
they left Montreal, embarked in boats, and proceeded to- 
wards the southern shore of the St. Lawrence. In the 
bushes at the water's edge colonel Warner, having received 
information oftheirpurpose, concealed three hundred men, 
who, when the enemy approached the shore, poured upon 



1775. REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 175 

them a fire so unexpected and destructive, that the flotilla 
returned, in confusion, to Montreal. 

On the first of November, Montgomery commenced a 
heavy cannonade of the enemy's works, which was conti- 
nued through the day. In the evening, he sent to the Bri- 
tish commander, by one of governor Carleton's men, who 
had been made prisoner by colonel Warner, intelligence 
of the governor's defeat, and demanded the surrender of 
the fort. It was accordingly surrendered, and the next 
morning entered by the American troops. 

Montgomery hastened to Montreal, and, at the same 
time, despatched down the Sorel, the mouth of which is 
below that city, a naval force to prevent the escape of the 
British to Quebec. Governor Carleton, believing the 
city not tenable, quitted it in the night, and, in a boat with 
muffled oars, was conveyed through the American squa> 
dron. The next day, general Montgomery entered the 
city, and although no terms were granted to the inhabi- 
tants, he treated them with the kindness of a fellow citi- 
zen, declaring that the property, rights, and religion of 
every individual should be sacredly respected. 

By his benevolence and address, he gained the affections 
of the Canadians, many of whom joined his standard. 
More, however, of his own troops, whose term of enlist- 
ment had expired, insisted on returning to their homes. 
So dear to them were the delights of the domestic fireside, 
and so vividly were they recalled to memory by the severe 
duties of the campaign, that the high character of the com- 
mander, his address, his entreaties, availed nothing to in- 
duce them to proceed on the expedition. With the rem- 
nant of his army, consisting of no more than three hun- 
dred men, he began his march towards Quebec, expect- 
ing to meet there an other body of troops sent to act in 
concert with him. 

These troops were a detachment from the army before 
Boston, consisting of one thousand men, and commanded 
by colonel Arnold ; who, as a soldier, was adventurous, 
impetuous, and fearless ; as a man, overbearing, avarici- 
ous, and proflit^ate. Their route lay along the coast to the 
mouth of^the Kennebec, in Maine, thence up that river to 
its source, and thence, over lofty mountains, through a 
wilderness unexplored by civilized man, to the river St. 



176 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 1776. 

Lawrence. They were unable to begin their march be- 
fore the middle of September ; on the 22d, they embarked 
in boats, at Gardner, on the Kennebec, and proceeded to 
ascend that river. 

They found the current rapid, and the navigation inter- 
rupted by frequent cataracts. Around these they were 
obliged to draw, by hand, their provisions, arms, and even 
their boats. Nor was their route on land less difficult. They 
had deep swamps to pass, and craggy mountains to ascend. 
The toil was so incessant, and the fatigue so great, that 
many, falling sick, were sent back, and along with these the 
rear division, commanded by colonel Enos, returned with- 
out the knowledge of Arnold. 

Before they reached the height of land, provisions be- 
came scarce. Dogs, cartridge boxes, and shoes were eaten. 
At the summit, the whole stock was divided equally among 
them, each receiving but two quarts of flour as his portion. 
The order of march was no longer observed. The soldiers 
were directed to proceed singly, or by companies, as they 
might choose, slowly or with speed, as they were able, to 
the nearest Canadian settlement, then one hundred miles 
distant. When the company, whose superior strength en- 
abled them to keep in advance, were thirty miles from any 
human habitation, the last morsel of food had been con- 
sumed. 

In this extremity, Arnold, with a few of the most vigor- 
ous, made a forced march to the first village, and returned 
to his almost famished companions, with food sufficient to 
satisfy the first wants of nature. Refreshed and strength- 
ened, they hastened forward, and, on the fourth of Novem- 
ber, arrived at the French settlements on the river Chau- 
diere, having been thirty-two days without seeing the abodes 
of civilized man ; and having, in that time, performed a 
march unexampled for its temerity and hardship. 

The inhabitants welcomed them with cordial hospitality. 
Though separated, in a great measure, from the world, they 
had heard of the dispute between Great Britain and her 
colonies, and as the very name of liberty is dear to the 
heart of man, their sympathies were all enlisted on the side 
of the latter. Arnold distributed proclamations among them 
similar to those issued by general Schuyler. As soon as 
the scattered soldiers were assembled, he continued his 



IfTS. REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 177 

march, and, on the ninth of November, arrived at Point 
Levi, opposite Quebec. 

Nothing could exceed the surprise and astonishment of 
the citizens on seeing a body of hostile troops, emigrating 
from the southern wilderness. Had Arnold, at this moment 
of panic, been able to cross the river, the city must have 
fallen an easy conquest ; but boats were not at hand, and a 
furious storm, occurring at the time, rendered crossingim- 
possible. 

Having procured boats, and the storm having abated, he 
crossed the river on the night of the 13th, and landed near 
the place where Wolfe had landed in the preceding war. 
Mounting the same steep ascent, he formed his troops oa 
the plains of Abraham, and marched towards the city. Con- 
vinced, by a cannonade from the walls, that the garrison were 
ready to receive him, he returned, encamped on the plain, 
and on the 18th marched to Point Aux Trembles, twenty 
miles from Quebec, where he determined to await the ar- 
rival of Montgomery. 

He came on the lirst of December. How great was the 
joy, and how lively the gratulations, they only can imagine, 
who, after long absence and suffering, have met, in a fo- 
reign land, their friends and former companions. Arnold's 
troops had, indeed, great cause of rejoicing. They were 
entirely destitute of winter clothing, and had endured ex- 
treme distress from the severity of the cold. Montgomery 
had brought a supply from Montreal, which he immediately 
distributed among them. 

Their united force amounted to no more than nine hun- 
dred effective men. On the fifth, the general, at the head 
of these, appeared before the city, and sent a flag with a 
summons to surrender. The delay which had taken place, 
had enabled governor Carleton to increase the strength of 
the works, and to change the sentiments of the citizens from 
friendship for the Americans, to hostility. He ordered his 
troops to fire upon the bearer of the flag. 

Montgomery soon discovered the defection of his friends, 
and perceived that he must depend upon his own force alone 
for the accomplishment of his object. When he compared 
this force with that of the enemy, who were fifteen hundred 
strong ; when he reflected that his troops were recent 
levies, whose term was nearly expired, and whose thoughts 



178 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 1775. 

were fixed upon their homes, his hopes of success became 
faint, and his forebodings gloomy. He believed, however, 
that success was possible, and his high sense of honor and 
of duty, impelled him to hazard every thing to obtain it for 
his country. 

He first determined to batter the walls, and harass the 
city, by repeated and furious attacks, hoping that an oppor- 
tunity might occurofstrikingsome decisive blow. He raised 
a mound, composed of snow and water, which soon became 
ice, and there planted his cannons, six only in number. 
After a short trial, they were found inadequate, and this 
plan was abandoned. 

Meanwhile, the snow fell incessantly ; the cold became 
intense, and the suiferings of the troops, from the rigor of 
the season, and their continual toil, surpassed all that they 
had ever before felt, or witnessed, or imagined. To increase 
their distress, the small pox broke out in the camp, pre- 
senting death in a new shape, and adding to the severity of 
their labors, by lessening the number to bear them. In the 
midst of these trials, their attachment to the cause, and de- 
votion to their commander remained unabated ; but these, 
he reflected, must soon give way before such severe and 
constant suffering ; and for himself, he determined to make 
immediately a bold and desperate effort. 

Assembling his officers, he proposed to storm the city. 
He placed before them the motives which operated upon 
his own mind. He did not deny that the enterprise was 
highly difficult and dangerous, but maintained that success 
was possible. He addressed a band of heroes whose sen- 
timents were congenial with his own, and the decision was 
unanimous in favor of his proposition. The plan and time 
of attack were concerted, and to each officer was assigned 
his particular duty. 

On the last day of December, at four o'clock in the morn- 
ing, while a violent storm was raging, the troops marched 
from the camp in fourcolumns, commanded by Montgomery, 
Arnold, Livingston, and Brown. The two latter were di- 
rected to make feigned attacks upon the upper town, in or- 
der to distract the attention of the garrison ; while the two 
former proceeded to assault the lower town at opposite 
points. 

Livingston and Brown, impeded by the snow, did not ar- 



1776. REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 179 

rive in season to execute their feints. Montgomery, ad- 
vancing, at the head of his column, along the bank of the 
river, came to a barrier or stockade of strong posts. Two 
of these he sawed oflf with his own hands. The guard within 
were alarmed, and fled to a block-house, fifty yards distant, 
where several pieces of cannon were stationed. Repassed 
through the opening in the barrier, encouraging his men to 
follow. The troops at the block-house, to whom the guard 
had communicated their terror, began to desert it. 

At this moment Montgomery halted, to allow the troops 
near him to form in a body. Observing this delay, a Cana- 
dian, who lingered behind, returned to the block-house, 
seized a match which was burning, and discharged a cannon 
loaded with grape shot, and fortuitously pointed at the little 
band. The discharge was instantly fatal to Montgomerj', 
and tp several favorite officers standing around him. The 
men, seeing their beloved leader fall, shrunk back ; colonel 
Campbell, the next in command, ordered a retreat, and that 
portion of the garrison stationed at the block-house, was 
left at liberty to hasten to another part of the city, already 
in commotion from the attack of Arnold. 

This officer, marching, like Montgomery, at the head of 
his column, had entered the town. Advancing along a nar- 
row street, which was swept by the grape shot of the ene- 
my, he received a severe wound in the leg, and was carried 
to the hospital. Captain Morgan, afterwards distinguished 
by his exploits at the south, assumed the command. Placing 
himself at the head of two companies, he boldly approach- 
ed the enemy's works, and entering through the embra- 
sures, drove the men from their guns. 

Here he halted until the rear of the column came up. 
When time was given for reflection, the danger of their 
situation, a small band in ihe heart of a hostile city, filled 
even the bosoms of the brave with dread. Morgan retained 
his firmness ; and when the morning dawned, with a voice 
that resounded through the city, summoned his troops to 
the assault of a second battery, a short distance in advance 
of the first. 

Before this, a fierce combat ensued. Many ofthe enemy 
were killed, but more Americans, who were exposed to a 
destructive fire of musketry from the windows of the 
houses. Some of the most daring mounted the wall, but. 



180 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 1775. 

seeing, on the other side, two ranks of soldiers, with their 
muskets on the ground, presenting hedges of bayonets to 
receive them, should they leap forward, they recoiled and 
descended. 

Weary with exertion, and benumbed with cold ; exposed 
to a deadly fire from every quarter ; their arms rendered 
useless by the snow which continued to fall, the soldiers 
sought refuge in the houses. Perceiving that all farther at- 
tempts would be vain, Morgan gave the signal of retreat. 
Some of the men fled, but most were unwilling to encoun- 
ter another tempest of shot. They refused, however, to 
yield, until assured of the fate of Montgomery ; when, losing 
all hope of success and escape, they surrendered themselves 
prisoners of war. 

The loss of the Americans, in this desperate enterprise, 
was above four hundred, of whom one hundred and fifty 
were killed. The whole continent bewailed the death of 
Montgomery. He was conspicuous, even in those times of 
enthusiasm, for his ardent devotion to the cause of freedom. 
He was endeared to the good, by the exercise, in the midst 
of war, of the amiable virtues. His soldiers adored him for 
his loft}' spirit and daring bravery. The enemy respected 
him for his honorable conduct, and distinguished military 
duties. Until his last enterprise, continual success bore tes- 
timony to the greatness of his talents ; and defeat, when he 
was no more, confirmed the testimony of success. Con- 
gress resolved that a monument should be erected to per- 
petuate his fame. It lives yet fresh in the memory of Ameri- 
cans. In 1818, New-York, his adopted state, removed his 
remains from Quebec to her own metropolis, where the 
monument had been placed, and near that they repose. 

Some of the Americans, on their escape from Quebec, 
retreated precipitately to Montreal. Arnold, with difficulty, 
detained about four hundred, who, breaking up their camp, 
retired three miles from the city. Here this heroic band, 
though much inferior in number to the garrison, kept it in 
continual awe, and, by preventing all communication with 
the country, reduced it to great distress for, the want of pro- 
visions. 

Congress, on receiving information of the disaster of the 
v3 1st of December, directed reinforcements to be sent to 
Canada ; and after the beginning of March, Arnold's party 



1775. REVOLUTIONAEY WAR. 181 

was almost daily augmented by the arrival of small bodies 
of troops. But its strength did not increase with its num- 
bers. The small-pox still continued its ravages ; fatigue, 
without hope, depressed the spirits of the soldiers ; the dif- 
ticulty of obtaining provisions, became every day greater ; 
and the harsh measures adopted by Arnold to procure them, 
exasperated the inhabitants around him. 

On the first of May, general Thomas, who had been ap- 
pointed to succeed Montgomery, arrived from the camp at 
Roxbury. On reviewing his army, he found it to consist of 
less than two thousand men, of whom half were not fit for 
duty. A council of war was held, who resolved that it was 
expedient to take a more defensible position higher up the 
St. Lawrence. To this decision they were led by the know- 
ledge that the ice was leaving the river, and by the expec- 
tation that reinforcements from England would immediately 
come up. The next morning, in fact, while the Americans 
were engaged in removing the sick, several ships appeared 
in sight, and entered the harbor. A multitude of troops 
were immediately poured into the city. 

At one o'clock, Carleton made a sortie at the head of a 
thousand men. Against these, general Thomas, at that mo- 
ment, could oppose but three hundred. AH the stores, and 
many of the sick, fell into the power of the enemy. The 
latter were treated, by the governor, with great tenderness ; 
and when restored to health, were assisted to return to 
their homes. The Americans retreated to the mouth oi the 
Sorel, where they were joined by several regiments, and 
where their worthy commander died of the small-pox, 
which yet prevailed in the camp. 

While patriotism and valor were, in this quarter, unsuc- 
cessfully contending with a superior force, the Americans 
sustained a heavy and unexpected calamity, resulting from 
cowardice, in an other. At a fortified place, called the Ce- 
dars, forty miles above Montreal, colonel Bedell was sta- 
tioned with four hundred men, and two pieces of cannon. 
Assembling a force of six hundred, mostly Indian warriors, 
captain Foster, who commanded at Oswegatchie, descended 
(he river to attack this post. 

Colonel Bedell, leaving major Butterfield in command, 
repaired to Montreal to obtain assistance. Shortly after- 
wards, captain Foster appeared, and invested the fort. He 

16 



182 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 1776* 

had no artillery, and in the course of two days, but one man 
was wounded. More eJSicient than bis arms, was the inti- 
mation, that if any of the Indians should be killed, it would 
not be in his power to restrain them from the massacre of 
the garrison. . Intimidated by this, major Butterfield surren- 
dered his whole party prisoners of war, stipulating only for 
their baggage and their lives. 

Upon the representation of colonel Bedell, a reinforce- 
ment was ordered to march from Montreal ; but he, more 
mindful of safety than of honor, declined returning with it, 
and the command was given to major Sherburne. The day 
after the surrender of the fort, of which event the major 
was ignorant, and about four miles from it, he was met by 
a large body of Indians, to whom, after an obstinate and 
bloody conflict, he was obliged to surrender. The whole 
loss of the Americans was at least five hundred. 

General Sullivan was appointed to succeed general Tho- 
mas, and on the first of June, arrived at the river Sorel, 
where he found between four and five thousand men. But 
the army of the enemy had, in the mean time, been aug- 
mented to thirteen thousand. Commanding a force so de- 
cidedly superior, governor Carleton pressed forward in 
pursuit, and the Americans retreated slowly and reluctantly 
before him. At St. Johns, the pursuit ceased ; but general 
Sullivan, in obedience to orders from general Schuyler, 
continued his march to Crown Point, at the head of lake 
Champlain. 

Thus terminated the expedition against Canada. In its 
conception it was singularly bold and romantic. In its pro- 
gress were displayed fortitude and bravery seldom equalled 
in military annals. Its failure was a painful disappointment 
to the patriots of the day. It is now consoling to reflect, 
that success would probably have proved injurious to the 
cause of independence. To protect the province, the mili- 
tary force of the confederacy must have been too much ex- 
tended, and colonies more important have been left de- 
fenceless. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 
CAMPAIGN OF 1776. 



The last humble petition of congress to the king was pre- 
sented by Mr. Penn, the late governor of Pennsylvania. A 
few days afterwards he was told by the minister that no an- 
swer would be made to it. The haughty spirit which dic- 
tated this reply, pervaded both houses of parliament. 

In December, a law was passed amounting to a declara- 
tion of war against the colonies. Treaties were made with 
the Landgrave of Hesse Cassel and other German princes, 
hiring of them seventeen thousand men, to be employed 
against the Americans ; and it was determined to send over, 
in addition to these, twenty-five thousand English troops. 

In the beginning of the year 1776, a fleet under Sir Peter 
Parker, and two thousand five hundred troops commanded 
by earl Cornwallis, were despatched upon an expedition 
against the southern colonies. Soon after, admiral Hotham 
set sail with a large number of transports, carrying the first 
division of Hessians ; and in May followed Admiral Lord 
Howe, who had been appointed commander of the naval 
force on the American station. He, and his brother, general 
Howe, had also been appointed joint commissioners to grant 
pardons on submission. 

On ;;he first of May, the fleet under sir Peter Parker, ar- 
rived on the coast of North Carolina, where sir Hienry 
Clinton, arriving at the same time from New-York, took 
command of the troops. The late defeat of the highland 
emigrants had so dispirited the loyalists in this colony, that 
he determined to proceed farther south, and attack Charles- 
ton, the capital of South Carolina. 

Fortunately, an oflicial letter, announcing the speedy de- 
parture of the expedition from England, had been inter- 
cepted early in the spring, and time was thus given to place 
this city in a state of defence. A strong fort was built on _ 



184 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 1776'. 

Sullivan's island, a position from which ships, on entering 
the harbor, could be greatly annoyed ; the streets, in dif- 
ferent places, were strongly barricaded ; the stores on the 
wharves, though of great value, were pulled down, and 
lines of defence erected along the water's edge. 

On learning the near approach of the enemy, the militia 
of the country were summoned to defend the capital. They 
obeyed with alacrity, increasing to five or six thousand the 
number of troops. General Lee had been sent from New- 
York to take the chief command ; and his high military re- 
putation gave confidence to the soldiers and inhabitants. 
Under him were colonels Gadsden, Moultrie, and Thomp- 
son. 

In the morning of the 28th of June, nine ships of war, 
carrying two hundred and fifty guns, began a furious attack 
upon the fort on the island, which was garrisoned by about 
four hundred men, under the command of colonel MouUrie. 
At the same time, a detachment of troops was landed on an 
adjoining island, and directed to cross over, at a place where 
the sea was supposed to be shallow, and attack it in the 
rear. 

The heavy and incessant fire of the enemy was received 
with coolness, and returned with skill. Many of their ships 
suffered severely, and particularly the Bristol, on board of 
which was commodore Parker. She was twice in flames, 
her captain was killed, and so dreadful was the slaughter, 
that atone time, the commodore was the only person upon 
deck unhurt. 

In the midst of the action, general Lee visited the gar- 
rison. He was delighted with the enthusiasm they exhib- 
ited. Nothing seemed capable of quenching their ardor. 
Soldiers, mortally wounded, exhorted their comrades never 
to abandon the standard of liberty. '' I die," said sergeant 
McDonald, in his last moments, " for a glorious cause ; but 
I hope it will not expire with me." 

The British troops, destined to attack the fort in the 
rear, found it impossible to reach the island. The engage- 
ment with the fleet continued until dark. The ships, hav- 
ing received too much injury to renew it, moved off" in the 
night ; and a few days afterwards, the fleets with the troops, 
on board, set sail for New- York, where the whole Britisli 
force had been ordered to assemble, 



1776. REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 185 

The killed and wounded on the part of the enemy, amount- 
ed to near two hundred. Of the Americans, ten were killed, 
and twenty-two wounded. The troops, for their gallantry, 
received the thanks of congress, and high and well merited 
praisefromtheircountrymen. Their success was auspicious 
to the cause of freedom. In a part of the country where 
resistance by force had been but little contemplated, it 
aroused the people to exertion, and inspired them with con- 
fidence. 

Notwithstanding the active war carried on, the colonies 
still professed allegiance to the British king ; and protested 
that the sole object of all their measures, was a redress of 
grievances. In the beginning of the contest, these profes- 
sions, in most instances, were sincere ; but a state of hos- 
tility produced a rapid change of sentiment. In place of at- 
tachment to monarchy and to Great Britain, succeeded de- 
votion to republican principles, and wishes for indepen- 
dence. 

The temporary constitutions adopted by New-Hamp- 
shire, and several other colonies, had shown with what fa- 
cility all bonds of connexion with the mother country could 
be dissolved. Essays in the newspapers, and pamphlets in- 
dustriously circulated, appealing to the reason and to the 
passions of the people, enforced the necessity and policy of 
a separation. Resistance, it was observed, had been car- 
ried too far to allow the hope thp.^ cordial harmony could 
ever be restored ; submission on any terms, to irritated 
masters, would be totally unsafe; and the alternative was 
presented of rising to the honorable rank of an independent 
nation, or sinking into a state of vassalage which every fu- 
ture year would render more oppressive and degrading. 

A pamphlet, entitled " Common Sense," and written by 
Thomas Paine, ai- F-nglishman, was universally read, and 
most highly admired. In language plain, forcible, and sin- 
gularly well fitted to operate on the public mind, he por- 
trayed the excellences of our repui licaii institutions, and at- 
tacked, with happy and successful ridicule, the principles of 
hereditary government. The effect of the pamphlet in 
making converts, was astonishing, and is probably with- 
out precedent in the annals of lircr^.lare. 

As a step preparatory to independence, congress, on the 
15th of May, recommended to those cojoriies that had not 

16* 



186 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 1776 

yet adopted constitutions, to establish, without any limita- 
tion of time, " such governments as might best conduce to 
the happiness and safety of the people." The recommen- 
dation was generally complied with, and in every instance 
the government was not only entirely elective, but elective 
at such short periods as to impress upon rulers their imme- 
diate accountability to the people, and upon the people a 
just opinion of their own importance, and a conviction of 
their safety from misrule. 

The colonies had become accustomed to contemplate 
themselves as sovereign states ; and the governments of 
many expressed their desire that congress would declare 
them such to the world. On the 7th of June, a resolution 
to that effect was proposed, in that body, by Richard Henry 
Lee, of Virginia, and seconded by John Adams, of Massa- 
chusetts. While under consideration, the colonies, which had 
not expressed their approbation of the measure, declared 
their concurrence. A committee, consisting of Messrs. Jef- 
ferson, Adams, Franklin, Sherman, and Livingston, were in- 
structed to prepare a Declaration of Independence, which,, 
on the fourth of July, a memorable day, was almost unani- 
mously adopted. 

" VVe hold these truths," says this celebrated state paper, 
"to be self evident, that all mankind are created equal : 
that they are endowed by their Creator with certain una- 
lienable rights ; that among these, are life, liberty, and the 
pursuit of happiness ; that to secure these rights, govern- 
ments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers 
from the consent of the governed ; that whenever any form 
of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the 
right of the people to alter or abolish it, and to institute a 
new government, laying its foundations on such principles, 
and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem 
most likely to effect their safety and happiness." 

To justify the exercise, on the present occasion, of the 
right here asserted, a long enumeration is made of the in- 
juries inflicted upon the colonies, by the king of Great 
Britain, which is closed by declaring that " a prince whose 
character is thus marked by every act which may define a 
tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people." 

The appeals which had been made to the people of Great 
Britain, are also recounted ; " but they too have been deaf 



1776. REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 18T 

to the voice of justice and consanguinity. We must there- 
fore acquiesce in the necessity which denounces our sepa- 
ration, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, ene- 
mies in war, in peace friends. 

" We, therefore, the representatives of the United States 
of America, in general congress assembled, appealiuj^ to the 
Supreme Judge of the World for the rectitude of our in- 
tentions, do, in the name, and by the authority, of the good 
people of these colonies, solemnly publish and declare, that 
these United Colonies are, and of right out to be, frfe and 
INDEPENDENT STATES ; that they are absolved from all alle- 
giance to the British crown, and that all political connexion 
between them and the state of Great Britain is, and of right 
ought to be, totally dissolved ; and that, as free and inde- 
pendent states, they have full power to levy war, conclude 
peace, contract alliances, establish commerce, and do all 
other acts and tilings which independent states may of right 
do. And for the support of this declaration, with a firm re- 
liance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually 
pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred 
honor." 

This declaration was communicated to the army, and re- 
ceived with enthusiastic plaudits. A great majority of the 
people welcomed it with joy, which was displayed, in al- 
most every city, by extraordinary public fesiivilies. Those 
who had been denominated tories, were averse to a separa- 
tion. Many joined the royal armies, and exhibited, during 
the war, the most cruel hostility against the whigs, their 
countrymen. 

During the spring and summer, unremitted exertions 
were made to fortify the city of New-York, against which, 
it was supposed, the whole strength of the enemy would be 
next directed. In this crisis, the people of that state acted 
with spirit and firmness. One fourth of the militia of the 
counties contiguous to the city, were called into the public 
service. Yet the means, in the power of the commander- 
in-chief, were not adequate to the emergency. He had un- 
der his command but fourteen thousand effective men ; and 
was almost destitute of many articles which impart strength 
as well as comfort to an army. As it was in the power of 
the enemy to choose their point of attack, this force was 
necessarily divided. A part were stationed in the city, a 



188 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 1776' 

part at Brooklyn, on Long Island, and small detachments at 
various other posts. 

In the beginning of July, admiral and general Howe ar- 
rived in the harbor of New- York. They were accompanied 
by a powerful naval force, and by an army of twenty-four 
thousand men, abundantly supplied with military stores. 
The troops were landed on Staten Island, a position from 
which ulterior movements could most conveniently be made. 

General Washington, presumingthatthe firstattack would 
be made upon the post at Brooklyn, strengthened it by a 
detachment of troops from the city, and gave the command 
of it to general Putnam. On the 22d of August, the British 
forces were landed on the opposite side of Long Island. 
The two armies were now about four miles asunder, and 
were separated by a range of hills, over which passed three 
main roads. Various circumstances led general Putnam to 
suspect that the enemy intended to approach him by the 
road leading to his right, which he therefore guarded with 
most care. 

Very early in the morning of the 2Gth, his suspicions 
were strengthened by the approach, upon that road, of a 
column of British troops, and upon the center road, of a 
column of Hessians. To oppose these, the American troops 
were mostly drawn from their camp, and in the engagements 
which took place, evinced considerable bravery. 

These movements of the enemy were but feints to divert 
the attention of Putnam from the road which led to his left, 
along which general Clinton was silently advancing with the 
main body of the British army. The report of cannon in 
that direction gave the first intimation of the danger which 
was approaching. The Americans endeavored to escape it, 
by returning, with the utmost celerity, to their camp. They 
were not able to arrive there in time, but were intercepted 
by general Clinton, who drove them back upon the Iles- 
sians. 

Attacked thus in front and rear, they fought a succession 
of skirmishes, in the course of which many were killed, 
many made prisoners, and several parties, seizingfavorable 
opportunities, forced their way through the enemy, and re- 
gained the camp. A bold and vigorous charge, made by the 
American general. Lord Sterling, at the head of a Maryland 
regiment, enabled a large body to escape in this manner. 



1776. REVOXUTIONARy WAR. 189 

This regiment, fighting with desperate bravery, kept a force 
greatly superior, engaged, until their comrades had passed 
by, when the few who survived, ceasing to resist, surren- 
dered to the enemy. 

The loss of tlie American?, in killed, wounded, and pri- 
soners, considerably exceeded a thousand. Among the 
latter were generals Sullivan, Sterling, and Woodhu!!. 
The total loss of the enemy was less than four hundred. 
They encamped at night before the American lines ; and 
the next day began to erect batteries within six hundred 
yards of their left. 

While the battle was raging, general Washington passed 
over to Brooklyn, where he witnessed, with inexpressible 
anguish, the destruction of his best troops, from which, 
such was the superiority of the enemy, it was impossible 
to save them. Finding the men dispirited by defeat, he 
determined to remove them to the city. The retreat was 
effected, on the night of the 28th, with such silence and 
despatch, that before the suspicions of the enemy were 
excited, the last division of boats was beyond the reach of 
their fire. 

So disheartened were the militia, that they deserted by 
companies ; and even the regular troops were infected by 
their example. Near the middle of September, the com- 
mander-in-chief, fearing to be enclosed in the city, retired 
to the heights of Haerlera. The enemy immediately took 
possession. A few days afterwards, a fire broke out which 
consumed about a thousand houses. 

General W^ashington, after reflecting upon the events 
which had already occurred ; after considering the inex- 
perience of his troops, the condition of (he countr}'^, and 
the distance of the enemy from their resources, deter- 
mined to adopt a cautious system of warfare ; to risk at 
present no general engagement ; to harass and wear out 
the enemy by keeping them in continual motion ; and to 
inspire his own troops with courage^ by engaging them in 
skirmishes, in ail cases, where success was probable. In 
one, fought on the sixth of September, the brave colonel 
Knowlton was killed ; but the result was so decidedly f^i- 
vorable to the Americans, that the troops recovered their 
spirits ; and the general was confirmed in the system he 
had adopted, 



190 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 1776. 

The movements of the enemy, in the beginning of Octo- 
ber, indicated an intention of gaining the rear of the Ame- 
ricans, and cutting off their communication with the eastern 
states. The army, therefore, quitting Haerlem, moved 
northward towards White Plains. General Howe pur- 
sued, making several attempts to bring on a general en- 
gagement, which Washington avoided by skilful changes 
of position. A partial action was fought, on the 28th of 
October, in which the loss on both sides was nearly 
equal. 

Finding his antagonist too cautious to be drawn into the 
open field, and too strong to be attacked in his entrench- 
ments, general Howe determined to return towards New- 
York, and attack forts Washington and Lee, situated oppo- 
site to each other on the banks of the Hudson, and about 
ten miles above the city. In these forts, garrisons had 
been left, from a wish to preserve the command of this 
important river. That in fort Washington, consisting in 
part of militia, amounted to two thousand seven hundred 
men, under colonel Magaw. 

On the iGih of November, four divisions of the enemy's 
army, led by their principal officers, attacked it in four dif- 
ferent quarters. The garrison, and particularly the rifle- 
men under colonel Rawlings, fought bravely. The Ger- 
mans were several times driven back, with great loss. 
But these combined and vigorous attacks were at length 
successful. The ammunition in the fort being nearly ex- 
hausted, and all the out posts driven in, the commander, 
on being a second time summoned, agreed to capitulate, on 
honorable terms. This was the severest blow the Ameri- 
cans had yet felt. The loss of the enemy, however, in 
killed and wounded, was supposed to be twelve hundred 
men. 

Fort Lee was immediately evacuated, the garrison join- 
ing general Washington. He had previously, with one di- 
vision of his army, crossed over into New-Jersey, leaving 
the other, under the command of general Lee, in New- 
York. His force, even when augmented by the garrison, 
consisted of but three thousand effective men, and they 
were destitute of tents, of blankets, and even of utensils 
to cook their provisions. His first station was Newark ; 
but the enemy pursuing him, he was compelled to retreat 



3776. REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 19l 

successively (o Brunswick, to Princeton, to Trenton, and 
finally' to cro^!^ the Delaware into Pennsylvania 5 and so 
close was t 1 • pursuit, that the advance of the British 
army was often within sight. 

Small as was his force when the retreat began, it dimi- 
nished daily. On the last of November, many of his 
troops were entitled to their discharge, and not one of 
them could be persuaded to continue an other day in ser- 
vice. Such he feared would be the conduct of the re- 
mainder, whose time would expire at the end of the year. 
In this extremity, he urged general Lee to hasten to his 
assistance ; but that officer, having other purposes in view, 
delayed his march. He called on the militia of New-Jer- 
sey and Pennsylvania, but none obeyed his call. The po- 
pulation around him were hostile or desponding, and with- 
held all aid from an army whose career seemed near its 
termination. 

In this darkest hour in American history, general Howe 
issued a proclamation offering pardon to all who would de- 
clare their submission to royal authority. The contrast 
between a ragged, suffering, retreating army, and a full- 
clad, powerful, exulting foe, induced many, despairing of 
success, to abandon the cause the}' had espoused, and ac- 
cept of pardon. Among them were Mr. Gallaway, and 
Mr. Allen, who had been members of the continental con- 
gress. 

As the British army approached Philadelphia, congress 
adjourned to Baltimore, having previously invested general 
Washington with " full power to order and direct all things 
relative to the department, and to the operations of war." 
Such unlimited authority, could not have been placed in 
hands more worthy to hold it. To the elastic energy of 
his mind, and his perfect self-possession in the most des- 
perate circumstances, is America, in a great degree, in- 
debted for her independence. 

On the day that he was driven over the Delaware, the 
British took possession of Rhode Island. On the loth of 
December, general Lee, having wandered from ins army, 
was surprised and taken prisoner. In the experience and 
talents of this officer, the people reposed great confidence, 
and they lamented his loss like that of an army. In its 
consequences, his capture was fortunate. The command 



192 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 1776. 

of his division devolved upon general Sullivan, who con- 
ducted it promptly to general Washington, augmenting his 
army to nearly seven thousand effective men. 

Still so much stronger were the enemy, that they re- 
garded the rebels, for so they delighted to call the pa- 
triots of that day, as almost subdued, and doubted not that 
a vigorous attempt, whenever they should be disposed to 
make it, would place in their power the handful of men 
before them. They rioted upon the plunder of the coun- 
try, and enjoyed in prospect the fruits of an assured and 
decisive victory. 

Washington saw that this tide of ill fortune must be stem- 
med — must even be rolled back upon the enemy — or it 
would soon overwhelm his country. He resolved to ha- 
zard all that was left in one vigorous effort for victory. 
On the night of the 25th December, at the head of two 
thousand four hundred men, he crossed the Delaware at 
Trenton, surprised a body of Hessians stationed at that 
place, took nine hundred prisoners, and immediately re- 
crossed, having lost but nine of his men. 

This sudden and severe blow awakened the enemy to 
activity. Cornwallis, who had repaired to New-York, in- 
trusting to his inferior officers the task of finishing the war, 
returned, with additional troops, to regain the ground that 
had been lost. He concentrated his forces at Princeton ; 
and soon after, Washington, having been joined by a bod}'' 
of Pennsylvania militia, and persuaded the New-England 
troops to serve six weeks longer, again crossed the Dela- 
ware and took post at Trenton, 

On the 2d of January, 1777, the greater part of the Bri- 
tish army marched to attack the Americans. In the even- 
ing, they encamped near Trenton, in full expectation of a 
battle and victory in the morning. Washington, sensible 
of the inferiority of his force ; sensible too that flight 
wourld be almost as fatal as defeat, conceived another bold 
project which he resolved instantly to execute. 

About midnight, having renewed his fires, he silently 
decamped, and gaining, by a circuitous route, the rear of 
the enemy, marched towards Princeton, where he pre- 
sumed Cornwallis had left a part of his troops. At sun- 
rise, the van of the American forces met unexpectedly two 
British regiments. A sharp action ensued ; the former 



1776. REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 193 

gave way. At this crisis, when all was at stake, the com- 
mander-in-chief led the main body to the attack. The 
enemy were routed and fled. Fortunately the heroic 
Washington, though exposed to both fires, and but a few 
yards distant from either party, escaped unhurt. 

Instead of pursuing them, he pressed forward to Prince- 
ton, where one regiment yet remained. Part saved them- 
selves by a precipitate flight ; about three hundred were 
made prisoners. The British loss in killed was upwards 
of one hundred ; the American was less, but in the num- 
ber were the brave general Mercer, and several valuable 
officers. Among the wounded was lieutenant James Mon» 
roe, afterwards raised to the highest office in the gift of his 
fellow citizens. 

In consternation, the British army immediately evacu- 
ated Trenton, and retreated to New-Brunswick. The in- 
habitants, resuming their courage, and giving full force to 
their rage, which fear had smothered, took revenge for the 
brutalities they had suff'ered. The enemy were driven 
from all their posts in New-Jersey, except Amboy and 
Brunswick, and the American army obtained secure win- 
ter-quarters at Morristown. 

The brilliant victories at Trenton and Princeton raised, 
from the lowest depression, the spirits of the American 
people. They regarded Washington as the savior of his 
country. He became the theme of eulogy throughout 
Europe. And having displayed, as occasions demanded, 
the opposite qualities of caution and impetuosity, he re- 
ceived the honorable and appropriate appellation of the 
American Fabius. 



17 



CHAPTER XIX. 
CAMPAIGN OF 1777 



The firmness manifested by congress, when disaster and 
^^efeat had almost annihilated the American army, entitles 
the members to the gratitude and admiration of every 
friend of freedom. They exhibited no symptom of terror 
or dismay. They voted to raise an army to take the place 
of that which was to be disbanded at the end of the year ^ 
and, made sensible by experience that short enlistments 
had been the cause of most of the misfortunes of their 
country, they resolved that the new levies should be en- 
listed to serve three years or during the war, at the option 
of the individual recruits. To defray expenses, they 
made large emissions of paper money. And to evince 
their firm determination to the world, they solemnly de- 
clared that they would listen to no terms of peace which 
required a relinquishment of their independence, or 
which should deprive other nations of a free trade to their 
ports. 

Relying on the inveterate enmity of France against Great 
Britain, they sent commissioners to that court, with in- 
structions to solicit a loan of money, a supply of munitions 
of war, and an acknowledgment of the independence of the 
United States. These commissioners were Dr. Franklin; 
Silas Dean, and Arthur Lee. Franklin arrived at Paris in 
December. The cause of which he was the advocate, and 
his own great fame as a philosopher, procured him a flat- 
tering reception from all ranks of people. America, her 
minister, her siruggle against oppression, became the 
themes of popular discourse, and the government itself 
was rendered in secret propitious to her cause. 

The ministry permitted arms covertly taken from the 
public arsenals, to be conveyed to the United States. 



196 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 1777- 

They connived at the sale, in their West India islands, and 
even in the ports of France, of the prizes taken by Ameri- 
can privateers. The value of these prizes made in the 
year 1776, was computed at five millions of dollars, and 
far exceeded that of the captures made by the enemy. 

So popular was the cause of the United States, and so 
exalted the character of their military leader, that many 
French officers sought an opportunity of engaging in their 
senyice. Among these, the young Marquis de la Fayette 
was most conspicuous for his rank, and most distinguished 
for his ardor and enthusiasm. At an early period, he 
communicated to the American agents his wish to join the 
republican armies. At first, they encouraged his zeal, 
but learning the disasters which preceded the victory at 
Trenton, they, with honorable frankness, communicated 
the information to him, and added that they were so desti- 
tute of funds, that they could not even provide for his pas- 
sage across the ocean. 

" If your country," replied the gallant youth, " is in- 
deed reduced to this extremity, it is at this moment that 
my departure to join her armies will render her the most 
essential service." He immediately hired a vessel to con- 
vey him to America, where he arrived in the spring of 
1777. He was received with cordial affection by the peo- 
ple, became the bosom friend of Washington, solicited per- 
mission to serve without pay ; and was appointed major- 
general in the army. 

In the last campaign, more prisoners had been taken by 
the British than by the Americans. They were detained 
at New-York and were-'confined in churches and prison 
ships, where they endured the extremity of wretched- 
ness. They were exposed, without fire and almost with- 
out clothes, to the inclemency of the severe winter ; were 
often whole days without food, and when food was offered, 
it was but a miserable pittance, damaged and loathsome. 
Many died of hunger, and more of diseases, produced by 
their complicated sufferings. 

Washington remonstrated with warmth, and threatened 
retaliation. After his victories in New-Jersey, th-eir 
treatment was less inhuman. An exchange was agreed 
upon, but many, when attempting to walk from their 
places of confinement to the vessels provided to convey 



i777> REVOI.UTIONARY WAR. 197 

them away, fell and expired in the streets. Yet in the 
midst of these unparalleled sufferings, they had exhibited 
fortitude more rare and more honorable to human nature 
than the highest display of valor in baftle. To entice 
them to enlist in the roj'^al army, they were promised 
relief from misery, and the enjoyment of abundance*. 
They rejected the offer with disdain ; thus giving to the 
world the noblest proof of the absence of all mercenary 
motive and of the sincerity and fervor of their devotion 
to their country. 

Near the end of May, the American army, which had 
been augmented by recruits, to almost ten thousand men, 
moved from Morristown, and took a strong position at 
Bliddlebrook. The British, soon after, left their encamp- 
ment, and general Howe endeavored, by various move- 
ments, to induce general Washington to quit his strong hold 
and meet him on equal ground. But the latter, adhering 
to his Fabian system of warfare, determmed to remain in 
the position he had chosen. 

General Howe, changing his purpose, transported his 
army to Staten Island. He there embarked sixteen thousand 
troops on board alarge fleet, and, leaving Sir Henry Clin- 
ton in command at New-York, put out to sea on the 26th 
of July. His destination was carefully kept secret. On 
the 20th of August, the fleet entered Chesapeak bay, and 
rendered it certain that an attack upon Philadelphia was 
intended. The troops were landed at Elk ferry, in Mary- 
land, fifty miles south of that city. 

The American army immediately crossed the Delaware, 
and, passing through Philadelphia, directed its march to- 
wards the enemy. The people, weary of delays and inde- 
cisive movements, demanded that a general engagement 
should be hazarded for the defence of the metropolis. 
Washington, yielding to their wishes, took a position on 
the eastern bank of Brandywine creek, and in the direc- 
tion of the enemy's route. 

On the eleventh of September, the British army appear- 
ed, and crossing the creek at several fords, commenced an 
attack upon the American right, which after a short resis- 
tance, gave way. The other divisions, successively at- 
tacked, gave way in like manner, and the rout becoming 
general, a retreat was ordered to Chester. 

17* 



198 nEVOtUTIONARY WAR. 177^- 

Several portions of the American army, particularly a 
brigade from Virginia, exhibited in this battle great firm- 
ness and bravery. The misconduct of others rendered 
their bravery unavailing. The American loss amounted 
to twelve hundred ; the British to no more than half that 
number. The Marquis de la Fayette took part in the en- 
gagement and was wounded. The next day, the army re- 
tired to Philadelphia, and soon after to Reading, where a 
quantity of stores had been deposited. The retreat was 
performed without a murmur, although many marched 
without shoes, and slept on the ground without blankets. 
On the 26th of September, general Howe entered Philadel- 
phia in triumph, Congress having previously removed to 
Lancaster. 

The transactions of the contending armies at the north, 
since the termination of the expedition to Canada, now de- 
mand our attention. The Americans halted at Crownpoint, 
the British at St. Johns, and both employed the remainder 
of the summer in building vessels and making preparations 
to secure the command of lake Champlain. 

On the 11th of October, 177'6,the American and British 
squadrons met, colonel Arnold, who had been a sailor in his 
youth, commanding the former. After a short contest, the 
enemy, not being then able U^ bring their whole force in- 
to action, retired. The next day, they returned to the 
combat, and being greatly superior, drove the American 
squadron before them to the head of the lake. A sharp 
action then took place ; the officers and men fought gal- 
lantly, but Arnold losing a part of his force, and perceiving 
defeat to be inevitable, ran the remainder of his vessels 
on shore and set them on fire. 

Winter approaching, governor Carleton returned with 
his troops to Canada. General Burgoyne, who had served 
under him during the last campaign, made a voyage to 
England to concert a plan for future operations. It was 
determined that a powerful army, departing from Montreal, 
should proceed, by way of lake Champlain, to the Hud«on, 
with the view of obtaining, by the co-operation of the army 
at New-York, the entire command of that river. All com- 
munication between the states of New-England, and the 
others lying south of them, would thus be prevented. 
Either section, alone and unsupported, could, it was sup- 



J 776. REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 199 

posed, be easily subdued ; and the whole strength of the 
nation might then be directed against the other. 

Nothing was omitted which might insure the success of 
this project. Seven thousand choice troops, to be sent from 
England, were allotted to the service. They were sup- 
plied with an excellent train of brass artillery, and with 
every thing which could add to their efficiency as an army. 
The command was given to Burgoyne, and several officers 
of distinguished reputation were selected to serve under 
him. 

General Schuyler of New-York, a worthy officer, whose 
talents were solid but not brilliant, had the chief command 
of the northern department. He was indefatigable in mak- 
ing preparations for defence ; and such was his zeal in the 
cause of independence, and such his deserved popularity 
in his native state, that he doubtless accomplished more 
than any other person could have done. Still, at a late pe- 
riod in the spring, the fortifications were incomplete, and 
but few troops or munitions of war were collected. 

Very early in the season, Burgoyne arrived at Quebec. 
He immediately despatched colonel St. Leger with a party 
of regulars, tories, and Indians, by the way of the St. Law- 
rence to Oswego, directing him to proceed thence to the 
Mohawk, and join him at Albany, with the main army, 
augmented, in Canada, to ten thousand men, he hastened 
to Ticonderoga, before which he appeared on the first of 
July. On his wa}'^, he held a conference, at the river 
Bouquet, with a large number of savages, whom British 
agents had persuaded to join the army. 

The garrison of Ticonderoga, which was then command- 
ed b}' general St. Clair, was insufficient to defend it against 
so powerful a force. It was evacuated in the night of the 
5th, the troops crossing lake Champlain and retreating to-^ 
wards Castleton, in Vermont. The enemy pursued, and 
on the morning of the 7th, their van overtook and attacked 
the American rear under colonels Francis and Warner. 
The action was warm and well contested ; but other troops 
arriving to the aid of the British, the Americans were 
compelled to give way. 

The retreat now became precipitate and disorderly ; the 
pursuit rapid and persevering. At length, the republican 
army, diminished in number; exhausted by fatigue, and 



200 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 1777. 

dispirited by misfortunes, arrived, by various routes, at 
fort Edward, on the Hudson, the head-quarters of general 
Schuyler. These disastrous events spread terror and dis- 
may throughout the land. The people, ignorant of the 
weakness of the army, attributed its retreat to cowardice 
or treachery, and trembled at the dangers which menaced 
them from the British, Germans, and savages. 

The royal forces elated by success, proceeded through 
the wilderness towards fort Edward. Their progress was 
slow and toilsome. General Schuyler, on their approach, 
evacuated the fort, and retired across the Hudson to Sara- 
toga. Soon after, he descended the river to Stillwater ; 
and, the British continuing to advance, he retreated, on the 
14th of August, to the islands at the confluence of the Mo- 
hawk and Hudson, a few miles north of Troy. About the 
same time, intelligence was received, that St. Leger, hav- 
ing penetrated from Oswego to the Moliavvk, had laid siege 
to fort Schuyler, situated in the present township of Rome. 

The American general, before leaving fort Edward, is- 
sued a proclamation calling to his aid the militia of New-Eng- 
land and New-York. Aroused by the (hinger, multitudes 
obeyed his call. V'^ermont poured forth her daring Green- 
Mountain boys ; the otlier states of New-England their 
hardy yeomanry, ardent in the cause of freedom ; New- 
York, her valiant sons, indignant at this invasion of her 
territory, and determined to protect their property fron» 
pillage and destruction. These beset the invaders on eve- 
ry side, impeding their progress, cutting off their supplies, 
and fatiguing tliem by incessant attacks. 

Burgoyne, tinding it difficult to transport his provirions 
through the wilderness, despatched colonel Rniim, with five 
hundred Hessians, to seize a quantity of beef and flour 
which the Americans had collected and deposited at Ben- 
nington. Fortunately, general Stark, at the head of a par- 
ty of New-Hampshire militia, had just arrived at that place, 
on his way to the main army, a»»d been joined by volunteers 
from the immediate neighborhood. Baum, ascertaining 
their number to be greater than his own, halted near Ben- 
nington, erected breastworks, and sent back for a reinibrce- 
ment. 

In several skirmishes between small detachments, the 
militia were uniformly successful. This sharpening their 



1777. REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 201 

courage, Stark resolved to attack the main body. On the 
16th of August, a fierce and sanguinary battle took place. 
For two hours, the Hessians fought bravely, but their 
works, assaulted by braver troops, were at length entered, 
and most of the detachment either killed or made prisoners. 

Just after this action had terminated, colonel Breyman 
arrived with the reinforcement sent to Baum. The mili- 
tia, apprehending no danger, had dispersed in pursuit of 
plunder or the fugitives. By carelessness was nearly lost 
all that by valor had been gained. Happily, at this critical 
juncture, colonel Warner arrived from Manchester with 
a continental regiment, and immediately fell upon Breyman. 
The militia, rallying, hastened to his aid. The battle con- 
tinued until sunset, when the enemy retreated, and under 
cover of the night the greater part effected their escape. 

The tide of fortune was now turned. The decisive vic- 
tory at Bennington diffused confidence and joy. The 
friends of independence, before depressed by disaster and 
defeat, were now animated by the prospect which suddenly 
burst upon them, of a glorious victory over an arrogant and 
once dreaded enemy. The greatest zeal and activity were 
every where displayed. Again crowds of militia flocked to 
the republican camp. 

In a few days, cheering intelligence arrived from fort 
Schuyler. The garrison under colonels Gansevoort and 
Willet, had, in the midst of the most discouraging circumr 
stances, made a gallant defence against the forces of St. 
Leger. Ge&Bral Herkimer, marching with eight hundred 
militia to their relief, fell info an ambuscade, was defeated 
and slain ; but a larger party was speedily collected and im- 
mediately despatched, undergeneral Arnold, upon the same 
service. 

The Indians, alarmed by their approach, and fatigued 
and disgusted by the protracted labors of the siege, threat- 
ened to abandon St. Leger, if he would not relinquish his 
enterprise. He reluctantly consented, and with the loss 
of his baggage and stores retreated to Montreal. Burgoyne 
was thus deprived of his expected co-operation, and the 
militia of that part of the state were enabled to join the 
American army. 

The disasters which befell this army at the commence- 
ment o{ the campaign induced congress to recall the generaU 



202 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 1776. 

who cammanded it, and to appoint in their places generals 
Gates, Lincoln, and Arnold. Having the controll of means 
more efficient, they acted with more energy and boldness. 
Gates, leaving the encampment on the islands, to which 
Schuyler had retreated, advanced, in the beginning of Sep- 
tember, to the neighborhood of Stillwater. 

Burgoyne, after the defeat of Baum, was obliged to have 
recourse, for provisions, to the magazines at fort George. 
The laborious task of transporting them through the wil- 
derness to the Hudson being accomplished, he moved for- 
ward, and on the 17th of September, encamped within 
four miles of the American army. 

The next day, the first battle of Stillwater was fought. 
It was begun by skirmishes between the scouting parties 
of the two armies, which were respectively and repeatedly 
reinforced, until nearly the whole of each was engaged. 
Both fought with determined resolution ; they alternately 
drove and were driven by each other. A continual blaze 
of fire was kept up. Men, and particularly officers, drop- 
ped every moment and on every side. Night put an end 
to the conflict. 

The American army retired to their camp ; the British 
lay on their arms near the field of battle. The loss of the 
former was three hundred and nineteen ; that of the latter 
exceeded five hundred. Each claimed the victory ; the 
consequences of defeat were felt by the British 'alone. 
Their hopes of success were diminished, their Indian al- 
lies, the Canadians and tories, were disheartened and de- 
serted them. 

Pressed on all sides, Burgoyne made frequent and ur- 
gent applications to Sir Henry Clinton, at New-York, for 
aid, and informed him, that in expectation of such aid, he 
would maintain his present positition until the 12th of Oc- 
tober. He diminished the allowance of provisions to his 
soldiers, and having waited until the 7th without receiving 
any intelligence from Clinton, determined to make another 
trial of strength with his adversary. 

He made dispositions to commence the action with the 
right wing of his army; Gates, discovering his design, 
made a sudden and vigorous attack upon the left. In a 
short time, the whole of both armies was engaged. This 
hMe was furious^ obstinate, and more bloody than the. 



1777. REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 203 

Other. Arnold was eminently distinguished for his bravery 
and rashness. Towards night the enemy, who had fought 
with desperate valor, gave way. A part of their works 
were stormed and taken, and more than two hundred men 
made prisoners. 

Darkness put an end to this action also. The Ameri- 
cans lay upon their arms near the enemy's lines, intending 
to renew the battle the next day ; but Burgoyne, during 
the night, withdrew to a stronger position. Gates forbore 
to pursue, believing that a bloodless victory was now in 
his power. 

In the mean time. Sir Henry Clinton despatched general 
Vaughan with three thousand men, to endeavor to relieve 
Burgoyne. He ascended the Hudson, and on the sixth of 
October, assaulted and took fort Montgomery ; but instead 
of hastening forward, he consumed a whole week in pil- 
laging and burning Esopus, and other flourishing villages 
on the river. He perhaps expected that this wanton de- 
struction of property would draw off a part of the forces 
under Gates ; but it had no other effect than to exasperate 
the inhabitants. 

Burgoyne, perceiving that his antagonist was endeavor- 
ing to surround him, retreated to the heights of Saratoga. 
The Americans pursued, keeping a sufficient force on the 
east bank of the river to prevent him froiii crossing. The 
situation of the British troops was now distressing in the 
extreme. Many of their most valued otlicers had been 
killed. Their strength was exhausted by incessant exer- 
tion ; they were almost encircled by their enemy, and 
were greatly annoyed by a continual and destructive 
cannonade. 

From this forlorn condition but one mode of escape re- 
mained, a forced march in the night to fort George. This 
expedient was resolved on, and preparations were made ; 
but the scouts sent out returned with intelligence that all 
the passes were guarded by strong bodies of militia. 

An account of provisions was then taken, and a supply 
for no more than three days was found on hand. No hope 
of rescue within that time could be indulged. Burgoyne 
summoned his principal officers to a council. It is said 
that while deliberating, a cannon ball crossed the table 
around which they sat. By their unanimous advice, he 



204 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 1777. 

opened a negotiation with the American general, and on 
the 17th of October, surrendered his whole army prison- 
ers of war. 

Great were the rejoicings occasioned by this glorious 
victory. Many supposed it would terminate the contest. 
In the joy of success, all feelings of resentment were for- 
2;otten. From regard to the feelings of the vanquished, 
general Gates, while they were piling their arms, kept 
the victorious troops within his camp. The British offi- 
cers, in social converse with the Americans, were led to 
forget their misfortune, and the troops, when on their 
march to Massachusetts, did not receive from the people 
that vindictive treatment which their distressing depreda- 
tions, and those of their fellow soldiers under Vaughan, 
would have excused, if not justified. 

Against this band of marauders, general Gates marched 
soon after the capitulation was signed ; but on learning the 
fate of Burgoyne, they retired to New-York. About the 
same time, the garrison left at Ticonderoga, having ren- 
dered their cannon useless, returned to Canada, and the 
northern department was restored to perfect tranquillity. 

While the exertions of the northern army were reward- 
ed by brilliant success, that of the south, equally brave 
and meritorious, but enfeebled by the detachments which 
Washington generously spared to Gates, sustained distress- 
ing reverses. The greatest was at Germantown, in the 
vicinity of Philadelphia, where the main body of the ene- 
my was stationed. 

Upon this body, at sunrise, on the fourth of October, the 
American general made a bold and vigorous attack. So 
sudden and spirited was the onset, that the enemy, unable 
to sustain it, fled, and a complete victory appeared in pros- 
pebt. But six British companies, while retreating, threw 
themselves into a large stone house, from which, in entire 
safety, they poured a destructive fire upon the American 
troops. The pursuit was arrested, and much time con- 
sumed in a vain attempt to demolish this fortress. 

The fugitives rallied, and turned upon the assailants. 
Confusion followed, and a thick fog, which that moment 
arose, increased it. The different divisions, ignorant of 
the positions and success of the others, uncertain even as 
to their own, acted with indecision and timidity. A retreat 



1777. REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 203 

was therefore directed, and the troops withdrew in good 
order. 

In this action, in which fortune snatched victory from 
the grasp of the Americans, they sustained a loss of twelve 
hundred men ; that of the British was less than six hun- 
dred. But the vanquished sustained no loss of reputation 
nor confidence. Their country applauded the boldness 
of the attempt, and the enemy felt higher respect for their 
courage and discipline. 

The British army soon after left Germantown, and 
marched to attack the American posts on the river Dela- 
ware below Philadelphia. On the 22d of October, a body 
of twelve hundred Hessians, commanded b}' count Donop, 
made an intrepid assault upon the fortifications at Red 
Bank. They were repulsed with great loss, and their 
gallant leader killed. 

Fort Mifflin, on Mud Island, was next attacked. For 
six days it was bravely defended. It was then evacuated, 
the works having been almost demolished by the enemy's 
artillery. Preparations being made for a second assault, 
with a much larger force, upon the post at Red Bank, that 
was also evacuated, and thus was opened a free communi- 
cation between the British army and their fleet, which 
had sailed round to the mouth of the Delaware. 

After several movements of the respective armies, 
which had no important result, general Washington with- 
drew to winter quarters in the woods of Valley Forge. 
His troops were destitute of shoes, and might have been 
tracked by the blood of their feet. They passed the win- 
ter in huts, suffered extreme distress from want of cloth- 
ing and of food, but endured their privations without a 
murmur. How strong must have been their love of liber- 
ty ! With what lively gratitude ought a prosperous coun- 
try, indebted to them for the most valuable blessings, to 
remember their sufferings and services ! 



CHAPTER XX. 
CAMPAIGN OF 1778. 



While the American armies were contending in the 
:field, or suffering in the camp, congress were occupied in 
the performance of duties important to the cause of inde- 
pendence. At first this body possessed no powers, but 
such as were conferred by the credentials and instruction? 
given by the state legislatures, to their respectiv^e dele- 
gates. Early in 1776, a confederation of the states was 
proposed ; but until the 15th of November, 1777, all the 
obstacles to the measure could not be surmounted. 

The " Articles of the Confederation" then adopted by 
congress, and subsequently ratified by the several assem- 
blies, bound the states in a firm league of friendship with 
each other, for their common defence and the security of 
their liberties. Delegates were to be annually appointed, 
who, when assembled in congress, were authorized to carry 
on war, to make peace, and to exercise all the powers of 
sovereignty in relation to foreign nations. They were also 
authorized to determine the number of men, and the 
amount of money to be raised, and to assign to each state 
Hs just proportion. 

But so unwilling were the states to relinquish their re- 
cently assumed independence, that they withdrew from 
congress the authority to make laws which should operate 
directly upon the people ; and reserved to themselves the 
5ole right of raising their proportions, of money in such 
oianner as each might deem most expedient. 

Congress also etfected a thorough reform of the com- 
missary department, in which scandalous frauds had been 
committed. And in order to introduce a uniform system 
of tactics and discipline, they resolved that an inspector- 
general should be appointed. Subsequently they elected 
ia th'di office the Baron Steuben; a native of Prussi^'ij who 



208 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 1778, 

had served in a high station in the army of Frederic the 
great, and was well versed in the system of manoeuvres in- 
troduced by that celebrated commander. 

The signal victory at Saratoga exalted the reputation of 
the confederated states, in every part of Europe. The 
French ministry no longer hesitated to acknowledge their 
independence. On the sixth of February, they concluded 
with the American commissioners, treaties of commerce 
and of alliance, in which they generously assented to 
terms highly advantageous to the states. This event, so 
flattering to the hopes and the pride of the people, occa- 
sioned the liveliest joy, and the most ardent gratitude to 
France. 

Among the people of Great Britain, the defeat of their 
favorite general produced astonishment, dismay, and in- 
dignation. The most brilliant success was anticipated ; the 
most ignominious result had occurred. The pride of the 
nation was humbled, and they who had disapproved of the 
war, poured upon the ministry a torrent of invective. To 
increase the bitterness of their chagrin, they soon learned 
the course which their hereditary enemy and rival had 
resolved to pursue. 

It was now determined in the cabinet, to grant to Ame- 
rica all that she had demanded, in the beginning of the 
contest. An act was passed, declaring that parliament 
would not, in future, impose any tax upon the colonies ; 
and commissioners were sent over, authorized to proclaim 
a repeal of all the offensive statutes, and to treat with the 
constituted authorities of America. 

The commissioners, arriving at Philadelphia in the 
spring, communicated to congress the terms offered by 
Great Britain, which were at once unanimously rejected. 
Failing in the use of direct and honorable means, they 
attempted bribery and corruption. To Joseph Reed, a 
general in the army and a member ofxongress, an offer 
was made of ten thousand pounds sterling, and any office 
within his majesty's gift in the colonies, if he would en- 
deavor to effect a reunion of the two countries. " I am 
not worth purchasing," he nobly replied, '* but such as 1 
am, the king of Great Britain is not rich enough to do it.'* 

On receiving official notification of the treaties conclud- 
ed with her revolted colonies, Great Britain declarei! war 



1778. REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 209 

against France ; and the ministry, presuming that assist- 
ance would be sent them, transmitted orders by the com- 
missioners, that Philadelphia should be evacuated, and the 
royal troops concentrated at New-York. The execution 
of these orders devolved upon sir Henry Clinton, who, 
general Howe having resigned, had been appointed com- 
mander-in-chief. On the 18th of June, the enemy quitted 
the city, and marched slowly eastward. 

Washington, leaving his huts in the forest, hung upon 
the rear of the British army, watching for a favorable op- 
portunity to offer battle. On arriving at Monmouth, in 
New-Jersey, general Lee, who had lately been exchanged, 
was ordered to take the command of five thousand men, 
and, early in the morning of the 28th, unless there should 
be powerful reasons to the contrary, to commence an at- 
tack. He was assured, that the residue of the army 
should follow and give him support. 

Lee made dispositions to attack accordingly, but per- 
ceiving the main body of the enemy returning to meet 
him, he retreated, Washington, advancing to render the 
promised support, saw him retiring, rode forward and ad- 
dressed him in language implying disapprobation of his 
conduct. He then directed him to form his men, on 
ground which he pointed out, and there oppose the pro- 
gress of the enemy. 

These orders were executed with firmness. A warm 
engagement ensued, and Lee, when forced from the 
ground, brought off his troops in good order. Washington, 
at this moment, arrived with the main body of his army, 
which joined in the action, and compelled the enemy 
to fall back to the position from which Lee had been 
t1 riven. 

The day had been intensely hot ; it was now almost 
^lark, and the troops were much fatigued. Further ope- 
rations were therefore deferred until the next morning. 
In the night, Sir Henry Clinton silently left his position, 
and continued his march to New- York. His loss amount- 
ed to near five hundred men; that of the Americans |o 
three hundred. Heat and excessive fatigue proved fatal 
to many. 

Lee, irritable and proud, could not forget the manner m 
which Washington had addressed him; and in two pas- 

18* 



210 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 1770' 

sionate letters, demanded reparation, A court martial was 
instituted ; he was found guilty of misconduct on the day 
of hdttle, and of disrespect to the commander-in-chief, 
and was suspended from command for one year. He never 
afterwards joined the army, but died in seclusion just before 
the close of the war. 

The enemy having entered New- York, Washington 
conducted his army to White Plains. Congress returned 
to Philadelphia ; and in July received, with inexpressible 
joy, a letter from the Count de Estainge, announcing his 
arrival on the coast of the United States, with a large 
fleet, vvhich had been sent by the king of France, to assist 
them in their struggle for independence. 

The count intended to surprise admiral Howe in the 
Delaware, but adverse winds detained him on the passage, 
until the British fleet had sailed for New-York. He ap- 
peared before that harbor, but on sounding found that his 
largest ships could not enter it. A combined attack, by 
land and water, upon the British forces at Newport, in 
Rhode Island, was then projected. 

General Sullivan, who had been appointed to command 
the troops, called upon the militia of New-England to aid 
him in the enterprise. His army soon amounted to ten 
thousand men, and, as he was supported by the fleet, he 
felt confident of success. On the ninth of August, he took 
a position on the north end of Rhode Island, and afterwards 
moved nearer to Newport. Admiral Howe, having re- 
ceived a reinforcement, now appeared before the harbor, 
and the count instantly put to sea to attack him. 

While making the preparatory manoeuvres, a furious 
storm came on, which damaged and dispersed both fleets. 
As soon as the weather would permit, each commander 
sought the port from which he had sailed. The army, 
intent upon their own object, witnessed with joy the re- 
turn of the French fleet ; and great was their disappoint- 
ment when the count announced his intention of proceed- 
ing to Boston to refit. The American officers remonstrated, 
but he was inflexible and departed. 

The army, deserted by the fleet, could remain no 
longer, with safety, on the island, as the enemy might 
easily transport by water large reinforcements from New- 
York to Newport. General Sullivan immediately retreat- 



1778, REVOLUTrONARY WAR, 211 

^d to his first position. He was pursued, and shortly after 
halting, was attacked by the enemy. They were gallantly 
resisted and repulsed with loss. 

The next day, the two armies cannonaded each other, 
and the succeeding night the American general, deceiving 
the enemy by a show of resistance to the last, made a 
skilful retreat to the continent. A few hours afterwards, 
the British received such an augmentation of their force, 
that all resistance on the part of the Americans would 
have been vain. At the close of the season, the French 
fleet sailed to the West Indies. 

During this year, the British troops and their allies, dis- 
played in several instances, a degree of barbarity seldom 
equalled in contests between civilized nations. That they 
were contending against revolted subjects, seemed to re- 
lease them, in their view, from all regard to the common 
usages of war. The late alliance with France, the hated ri- 
val of their nation, increased their hostility. Instead of 
striving to conquer an honorable foe, they thirsted as for 
vengeance on a criminal and outlaw. 

With such vindictive feelings, W^yoming, a happy and 
flourisliing settlement in Pennsylvania, was attacked by a 
band of tories and Indians. The men were butchered, 
the houses burned, and the catlle driven off or killed. 
Those who had been made widows and orphans were left 
without shelter and without food. Seldom has war spread 
distress and ruin over a more delightful region. 

New-Bedford, Martha's Vineyard, Eggharbor, and Cher- 
ryvalley, were also visited and ravaged by the enemy. 
All the property within reach was destroyed, and multi- 
tudes of peaceful and unoffending inhabitants were reduced 
to poverty and wretchedness. 

But in no instance did the enemy evince more ferocious, 
unrelenting cruelty than in their attack upon colonel Boy- 
ler's troop of light dragoons. While asleep in a barn at 
Tappan, they were surprised by a party under general 
Grey, who commanded his soldiers to use the bayonet 
only, and to give the rebels no quarter. Incapable of de- 
fence, they sued for mercy. But the most pathetic sup- 
plications were heard without awakening compassion in 
the commander. Nearly one half of the troop were kil- 
led. To many, repeated thrusts were barbarously given 



212 REV^OLUTIOXARY WAR. 1778- 

as long as signs of life remained . Several who had nine, 
ten, and eleven stabs through the body, and were left for 
dead, afterwards recovered. A few escaped, and forty 
were saved by the humanity of a British captain, who dared 
to disobey the orders of his general. 

Late in the fall, the army under Washington erected 
huts near Middlebrook, in New- Jersey, in which they 
passed the winter. In this campaign, but little on either 
side was accomplished. The alliance with France gave 
birth to expectations which events did not fulfil; yet the 
presence of her fleets on the coast deranged the plans of 
the enemy, and induced them to relinquish a part of their 
conquests. At the close of the year, it was apparent that 
Great Britain had made no progress in the accomplishmeni 
of her purposes. 



CHAPTER XXL 



CAMPAIGN OF 1779, 



The campaign of 1779, was distinguished by a change 
of the theatre of war, from the northern to the southern 
section of the confederacy. Thither the enemy were in- 
vited by the prospect of easier victory. The country was 
rendered weak by its scattered population, by the muhi- 
tude of slaves, and by the number of tories intermingled 
with the whigs. 

Near the close of the preceding year, lieutenant-colonel 
Campbell, with 2500 men, sailed from New-York to the 
coast of Georgia, and landed his troops. Marching to- 
wards Savannah, the capital, he met on his route a small 
body of Americans, whom he defeated, and immediately 
took possession of the city. A detachment from Florida 
under general Prevost invested Sunbury, which, after the 
fall of the capital, surrenderd at discretion. These were 
the only military posts in Georgia. All the troops that 
could escape retreated into South-Carolina. 

Soon after the conquest of Georgia, general Lincoln took 
command of the American troops in the southern depart- 
ment. In April, leaving South-Carolina, he marched into 
the interior of Georgia ; upon which the British army, 
entering the state he had left, invested Charleston, the 
capital. Lincoln hastened back to its defence. On hear- 
ing of his approach, the enemy retired to Stono ferry. 
Thither Lincoln pursued them. An indecisive action was 
fought ; and a few da3's afterwards, they continued their 
retreat to Savannah. 

The heat of the season suspended farther operations 
until September. Count De Estainge, with a fleet carry- 
ing 6000 troops, then arrived on the coast. The two 
armies, in concert, laid siege to Savannah. ^ A|. the expi- 



2 14 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 1779. 

ration of a month, the count, impatient of delay, insisted 
that the siege should be abandoned, or that a combined as- 
sault upon the enemy's works should immediately be made. 
General Lincoln determined upon an assault. Great gal- 
lantry was displayed by the French and American, but 
greater by ^he British troops. They repulsed the assail- 
ants, killing and wounding nearly a thousand men, and sus- 
taining, on their part, but little loss. The count Pulaski, 
a celebrated Polish nobleman, in the service of the states, 
was mortally wounded. The next day the siege was raised, 
the French returning home, and the Americans to South- 
Carolina. 

In the midst of these events, general Matthews, sailing 
from New-York, conducted an expedition against Virginia. 
On the 10th of May, he took possession of Portsmouth, 
without opposition, and ravaged, for two weeks, that city 
and the adjacent country. The booty obtained, and the 
property destroyed, were of immense value. Before the 
expiration of May, the party returned to New- York. 

Early in the season, colonel Clarke, of Virginia, who 
was stationed atKaskaskia, on the Missisippi, achieved an 
enterprise conspicuous for boldness of design, and evinc- 
ing uncommon hardihood in its execution. With only one 
hundred and thirty men, he penetrated through the wilder- 
ness, to St. Vincents, a British post on the Wabash, in the 
heart of the Indian country. His route lay across deep 
swamps and morasses. For four or five miles the party 
waded through water, often as high as the breast. After a 
march of sixteen ilays, they reached the town, which, 
having no intimation of their approach, surrendered with- 
out resistance. A short time after, the fort capitulated. 
This fortunate achievment arrested an expedition which 
the enemy had projected against the frontiers of Virginia, 
and detached several tribes of Indians from the British in- 
terest. 

The atrocities committed at Wyoming, and at several 
settlements in New- York, cried aloud for vengeance.-— 
Congress assembling an army of 4000 men, gave the com- 
mand of it to general Sullivan^ and directed him lo conduct 
it into the country inhabited by the savages, and retort 
upon them their otvn system of warfare. Of this army, one 
division mgrcbed from the Mohawk, the other fron^ Wyo« 



1779. REVOLUTIONARY WAIl. 215 

ming, and both forming a junction on the Susquehannah. 
proceeded, on the 22d of August, towards the Seneca lake. 

On an advantageous position, the Indians, in conjunction 
with 200 tories, had erected fortifications to oppose their 
progress. These were assaulted ; the enemy after a slight 
resistance, gave way, and disappeared in the woods. As 
the army advanced into the western part of the state of 
New- York, that region now so fertile and populous, the 
Indians deserted their towns, the appearance of which 
denoted a higher state of civilization than had ever before 
been witnessed in the North American wilderness. The 
houses were commodious ; the apple and peach-trees nu- 
merous, and the crops of corn then growing abundant. All 
were destroyed ; not a vestige of human industry was 
permitted to exist. 

Having accomplished this work of vengeance, severe but 
deserved, and essential to the future safety of the whites, 
general Sullivan returned to Easton, in Pennsylvania, 
where he arrived about the middle of October. His whole 
loss, by sickness and the enemy, amounted to but forty 
men. 

On the first of July, general Tryon sailed from New- 
York with a large body of troops, and landing on the coast 
of Connecticut, plundered New-Haven, and laid Fairfield 
and Norwalk in ashes. Before his return, general Wayne, 
with a detachment from the American army, made a daring 
assault upon Stoney Point, a strongly fortified post on the 
Hudson. About twelve at night, the troops, with unloaded 
muskets, arrived before the lines. They were received 
with a tremendous discharge of grape-shot and musketry. 
Rushing forward, they mounted the wails, and using the 
bayonet only, were soon in complete possession of the 
fort. 

A more gallant exploit has seldom been performed ; and 
the humanity of the victors was equal to their valor. Not- 
withstanding the devastations in Connecticut, and the 
butchery of Baylor's troop, the scene of which was near, 
not an individual suffered after resistance had ceased. Of 
the enemy, sixty were killed, and upwards of five hundred 
made prisoners. The loss of the Americans was compa- 
ratively small. A gold medal, presented by congress, re- 
warded the heroism of the victor. 



216 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 1779, 

At the close of the season, the northern army retired 
into winter-quarters, one division near Morristown, in New- 
Jersey, and the other in the vicinity of VVestpoint, an im- 
portant post in the highlands. Here they endured severe 
and constant suffering from cold, and nakedness, and hun- 
ger. Sometimes half the usual allowance, often less was 
distributed to the troops ; and more than once the provi- 
sions were wholly exhausted. 

Application for relief was made to the magistrates of the 
neighborhood, and intimations were given that provisions, 
so pressing were the wants of the army, would be seized 
by force, if not furnished voluntarily. The magistrates 
promptly attended to the call. They levied contributions 
arbitrarily from the people, who submitted to these ex- 
actions with a degree of patriotism equalled only by that 
displayed by the soldiers in the patient endurance of dis- 
tress. 

Derangement in the finances produced these sufferings. 
Large sums had been annually raised and expended ; and 
the ability of the people to pay taxes had progressively de- 
creased. To supply deficiencies, paper money, to the 
amount of about one hundred and fifty millions of dollars 
had been issued. This gradually depreciated, and at the 
close of 1779, thirty dollars in paper were of no more va- 
lue than one in specie. To purchase provisions with this 
money was at first difficult, and then impossible ; and con- 
gress now found their funds and their credit exhausted. 

A change of system was necessary. For the supply of 
the army, each state was directed to furnish a certain quan- 
tity of provisions and forage. Loans were solicited from 
the people, and nearly a million of dollars, was raised by 
bills drawn upon the American agents in Europe, in anfi- 
cipation of loans which they had been authorized to pro- 
cure. These expedients afforded but temporary and par- 
tial relief 

No class of persons suffered more from the depreciation 
of paper money than the army, and especially the officers. 
The pay, even those of the highest grade, was rendered 
insufficient to provide them with necessary clothing. Dis- 
content began to pervade the whole army. It required all 
the enthusiastic patriotism which distinguishes the soldier 
of principle ; all that ardent attachment to freedom which 



^'^'^^' REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 



217 



brought them into the field ; all the influence of the com» 
mander-m-chief, whom they almost adored, to retain in the 
service men who felt themselves cruelly neglected by the 
country whose battles they fought. 



19 



CHAPTER XXII. 
CAMPAIGN OF 178a 



The first military operations of the enemy, in the year 
1780, were directed against Charleston, the capital of 
South-Carolina. In the beginning of February, sir Henry 
Clinton appeared before that place, at the head of a part of 
his army. The assembly, which was then sitting, delegat- 
ed to governor Rutledge, a patriot of splendid talents, and 
to his council, "the power to do every thing necessary for 
the public good, except taking away the life of a citizen," 
and arljuiiriiHd-^ AnnHfl with this extraordinary power, he 
made great exertions to call into action the strength of the 
^tate, and to place its capital in a posture of defence. 

The people of the country disregarded his repeated calls. 
Not more than two hundred repaired to Charleston. The 
garrison, commanded by general Lincoln, consisted of a 
body of militia from the country, of the citizens, of one 
thousand North-Carolina militia, and of two thousand regu- 
lars. The number of the enemy, when all their reinforce- 
ments had arrived, amounted to nine thousand. 

On the first of April, the siege was begun in form, by the 
erection of works at the distance of eleven hundred yards 
from the city. On the 9th, the fleet, propelled by a strong 
wind, passed the forts on Sullivan's Island, without stop- 
ping to return their fire, and gained entire command of the 
harbor. On the 14th, lieutenant-colonel Tarleton sur- 
prised a body of cavalry, which, to preserve a communi- 
cation with the country, had been stationed at Monk's cor- 
ner. Soon after, batteries were erected nearer the city, 
from which the fire was incessant and destructive. 

An offer to capitulate was then made ; but the British 
commander refused to accept the terms proposed. On his 
j>art. terms were offered, which were rejected by general 



220 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 1780 

Lincoln. The siege was then pressed with increased vigor, 
and approaches made to within musket-shot of the Ameri- 
can lines. The soldiers within were often killed at their 
guns by the enemy's marksmen. 

The citizens, whose intercession had induced general 
Lincoln to determine to defend the place, perceiving that 
preparations for an assault were in forwardness, and seeing 
no hope of relief or escape, now requested him to accept 
the terms which sir Henry Clinton had proposed. A ne- 
gotiation between the two commanders was, in consequence, 
opened, and on the 12th of May the capitulation was 
signed. 

The capital having surrendered, measures were adopt- 
ed to overawe the inhabitants of the country, and induce 
them to return to their allegiance to the king. Garrisons 
were placed in different parts of the state, and 2000 men 
were despatched towards North-Carolina, to repel several 
parties of militia, who were hastening to the relief of 
Charleston. Colonel Tarleton, making a rapid march of 
one hundred and five miles in fifty-four hours, met, at the 
Waxhaws, and attacked one of these parties, commanded 
by colonel Buford. His force being superior was soon 
victorious. The vanquished, ceasing to resist, implored 
for quarter. Their cries were disregarded. Upwards 
of two hundred and fifty were killed, or too badly wounded 
to be removed from the field. This barbarous massacre 
spread dismay throughout the country, and gave a sangui- 
nary character to future conflicts. 

To avoid being treated as enemies, the greater part of 
the inhabitants either gave their parole as prisoners, or 
submitted to become subjects of the king. Sir Henry Clin- 
ton, afterwards, by proclamation, discharged the former 
from their parole and called upon all to embody as militia 
in the service of Great Britain. Indignant at this dishonora- 
ble conduct, which left them only the alternative of fighting 
for or against their country, multitudes, seizing their arms, 
resolved on a vindictive war with their invaders. 

A party who had taken refuge in North-Carolina, chose 
colonel Sumpter their leader. At the head of these, he 
returned to his own state, attacked and defeated several 
scattered detachments from the British army. In one en- 
gagementj so decisive was his victory, that nine only out 



1*80. REVOLUTIONARY Wi^R. 221 

of nearly three hundred escaped. By a succession of gal- 
lant enterprises, he reanimated the friend? of freedom, and 
a spirit of determined hostility to Great Britain was again 
manifested in every part of the state. 

This spirit was cherished hy the approach, from the 
north, of 4000 men, principally continentals, under the 
command of general Gates. On their march through a 
sterile country, they endured all the evils and distresses of 
extreme famine. Lord Cornvvallis, whom Clinton, on his 
return to New-York, had left commander-in-chief, hasten- 
ed to oppose, in person, this victorious general. He placed 
himself at the head of two thousand veteran troops who 
had before been stcitioned at Camden, on the northern bor- 
der of the state. 

On the night of the 15th of August, he marched, with his 
whole force, to attack the Americans in their camp at Cler- 
mont. They, at the same hour, began to move towards 
Camden. The advanced parties met in the night and en- 
gaged. In several skirmishes which took place, the Bri- 
tish obtained the advantage. This made a deep impression 
on the militia, whose spirits were depressed by gloomy 
forebodings. 

When the morning dawned, the enemy advanced to the 
attack. At the first onset, the Virginia militia fled from 
the field, and their example was followed by others. The 
continentals, though left alone to contend with superior 
numbers, maintained the conflict with great firmness. For 
a short time, they had the advantage of their opponents, 
but were at length overpowered, and the flight became 
general. 

The fugitives were pursued by Tarleton's legion with 
relentless fury. When all were killed, captured or dis- 
persed, the pursuers, with speed unchecked, took the route 
towards Sumpter's encampment. This active partizan, 
who had lately been victorious in a skirmish, retreated 
precipitately, on hearing of the defeat of Gates. 

At the Catawba ford, supposing he was beyond danger, 
he iialled, that his troops, who were fatigued, might re- 
pose. His sentinels slept at their posts, and the legion rode 
into his camp before preparations could be made for de- 
fence. Between three and four hundred were killed or 
wounded. The remainder were dispersed in the woods ; 

19* 



222 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. it80. 

three hundred prisoners were released ; all the baggage 
and stores fell into the power of the victors. 

Again supposing the state to be subdued, Cornwallis 
adopted measures of extreme severity to suppress every 
latent inclination to revolt. He directed that all who, hav- 
ing once submitted, had lately given aid to the armies oi 
congress, should be deprived of their property and impri- 
soned ; and that all, who had once born ar^ps with the Bri- 
tish, and afterwards joined the American^, should suffer 
death. In consequence of these orders, several were exe- 
cuted and many were reduced to pbverty and wretched- 
ness. 

In these times of confusion and distress, the mischievous 
effects of slavery in facilitating the conquest of the coun- 
try, became apparent. As the slaves had no interest at 
stake, the subjugation of the states was a matter of no con- 
sequence to them. Instead of aiding in its defence, they, 
by a variety of means, threw the weight of their little in- 
fluence into the opposite scale. 

There were yet some citizens, who, in all fortunes, ad- 
hered with firmness to the cause of independence. Of 
these, in one part of the state, general Sumpter was the 
leader, in another, general Marion. The cavalry of the 
latter were so destitute of the weapons of war, that they 
were obliged to cut their swords from the saws of the saw- 
mills. He was so successful in concealing himself in woods 
and marshes, that the enemy were never able to attack or 
discover him. From these dark retreats he often sallied 
forth, and fell unexpectedly upon parties of the enemy, 
when marching through the country, or posted in garrisons 
to overawe the inhabitants. In one of these sallies, he re- 
leased one hundred and fifty continentals captured at Cam- 
den. His repeated and successful excursions preserved 
alive the spirit of resistance, and his high fame as a parti- 
zan was never tarnished by any violation of the laws of 
war or humanity. 

Of those who submitted through fear, or from attach- 
ment to the royal cause, major Ferguson, a British ofli- 
cer of distinguished merit, was appointed commander. 
He was despatched, by Cornwallis, into the western part 
of North-Carolina, where, other lories joining him, his 
force was augmented to 1400 men. An enterprise against 



1780. REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 223 

this party was concerted by the commanders of the militia, 
in the adjacent parts of the two Carolinas and Virginia. 

About the first of October, they, by great exertions, as- 
sembled 3000 men at Gilberttown. From these, fifteen 
hundred choice riflemen were selected ; who mounted on 
the best horses, hastened to the attack of Ferguson. 

He awaited them on the top of King's mountain. The 
tnilitia, in three divisions, led by colonels Cleveland, Shel- 
by, and Campbell, ascended it in different directions. These 
divisions, successively arriving, were each repulsed ; but 
each, when the enemy by an attack from a different quar- 
ter, were recalled from pursuit, returned again to the 
charge. In this manner the action was continued for an 
hour with great spirit. Ferguson was then killed, and witii 
him expired the courage of his party. Eight hundred threw 
down their arms and became prisoners. One hundred and 
fifty were killed. Very few of the assailants fell. 

Cornwallis, confident of his ability to subjugate the state, 
had followed Ferguson into North-Carolina. Receiving 
notice of his entire defeat, he returned and took post at 
Winnsborough. As he retired. Gates, who had assembled 
an army of 1400 men, advanced to Charlotte, where he de- 
termined lo pass the winter. He was soon after recalled 
by congress, and, on the recommendation of Washington, 
general Greene was withdrawn from the northern army to 
take command of the department of the south. 

By the northern army, which, as has been stated, was 
posted at Westpoint and Morristown, little more was at- 
tempted, during the year, than to watch the motions of the 
enemy, in New- York, and protect the inhabitants from their 
incursions. The troops unfed, unpaid, and unemployed, 
discovered, at various times, a disposition to mutiny. On 
these occasions, the British commander, by means of emisr 
saries sent among them, invited them to repair to the city, 
where he promised them comfort and abundance. His in- 
vitations were disregarded. Relief from distress was all 
they sought, and when that was obtained they cheerfully 
returned to their duty. 

In July, a French squadron under admiral Ternay , bring- 
ing 6000 troops, commanded by count Rochambeau, arriv- 
ed at Rhode Island, which had previously been evacuated 
by the enemy ; they were immediately blockaded in the 



SS4 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 1780. 

"harbor they had entered, by a British fleet. Reinforced 
by these troops, Washington determined to attack New- 
York ; the army marched to stations nearer the city, and 
rejoiced in the hope of being able to accomplish something 
for their country ; but the arrival fronj England of another 
fleet, under admiral Rodney, disconcerted the plan which 
had been formed. 

Defeat at the south and disappointment at the north o ver- 
shaddowed the land with gloom ; but intelligence that trea- 
son had appeared in the American camp occasioned amaze- 
ment and alarm. The traitor was Arnold, whom bravery 
in battle, and fortitude in suffering, had placed high in the 
affections of the people. 

Upon the evacuation of Philadelphia, by the enemy, in 
1778, he was appointed commander of that station. Here, 
indulging in all the pleasures of an- expensive equipage and 
sumptuous table, he contracted debts which he was unable 
to discharge. To extricate himself from emljarrassment, 
he made large claims against the government, a portion of 
which was rejected. He was accused of extortion and of 
misuse of the public money ; and for these offences was 
tried by a court martial and sentenced to be reprimanded 
by the commander-in-chief. 

From this moment, he determined to avenge his wound- 
ed pride, and supply his wants by betraying his country. 
In a letter to a British officer, he signified his change of 
principle, and his wish to restore himself to the favor of 
his prince, by some signal proof of his repentance. And 
about this time, for a purpose which afterwards too plainly 
appeared, he solicited and obtained the command of West 
Point, the most important post in the possession of the 
American armies. 

He immediately opened a correspondence with sir Hen- 
ry Clinton, and proposed to deliver into his power the 
post that he 'commanded. To agree upon the mode of 
surrender, major Andre, a young man of splendid talents 
and adjutant-general of the British army, ascended the 
river from New York, and in the night, at a place near 
the American lines, had an interview with Arnold. Be- 
fore he was prepared to return, the sloop of war which 
brought him was compelled to move down the river. 

In this emergency, Andre, disguised as a traveller, as- 



1780. REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 225 

suming the name of Anderson and furnished by Arnold 
with a pass, set out to return by land to New-York. He 
passed all the guards and posts without awakening suspi- 
cion ; but was stopped, when near the end of his journey, 
by three of the New-York militia, whose names were 
Paulding, Williams, and Vanwert. Supposing them to be 
soldiers of bis own army, instead of producing his pass, he 
declared himself a British officer and desired he might not 
be detained. 

On discovering his mistake, he offered them a purse of 
gold and a valuable watch, and promised more ample re- 
wards from his government, if they would permit him to 
escape. Rejecting, with patriotism worthy of all praisC; 
these tempting offers, they conducted him to colonel Ja- 
meson, who was stationed near the American lines. In 
his boots were found a particular statement of the strength 
of the garrison, and a description of the works at West 
Point. Anxious for the safety of Arnold, he desired the 
colonel to inform him that Anderson was taken. An ex- 
press was unwarily despatched with the intelligence. Ar- 
nold, COmpreheniug hio dau^ci, uiaOc a jii c^^l^ltatc flight 

to New-York. 

Andre, disdaining longer concealment, then avowed him- 
self to be the adjutant-general of the British army. Sus- 
picion being now excited, colonel Jameson transmitted to 
the commander-in-chief, who was not far distant, informa- 
tion of all the events which had occurred. Washington, 
hastening to West-Point made arrangements for repelling 
any attack that might be made. Measures of precaution 
being taken, the fate of the prisoner was next to be de- 
cided. 

His case was referred to a board of officers. Appearing 
before them, he confessed, with ingenuous frankness, eve- 
ry circumstance relating to himself, but would disclose 
nothing which might involve others in his misfortune. He 
displayed, in all his conduct while a prisoner, great noble- 
ness of mind ; but the board, constrained by duty, report- 
ed that he must be considered as a spy, and agreeably to 
the law of nations, ought to Suffer death. 

Sir Henry Clinton, by whom he was highly esteemed, 
made every exertion in his power to avert his fate. He 
entreatedj remonstrated, and threatened. To have yield- 



226 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 1780. 

ed, would have betrayed timidity and weakness, and en- 
couraged future treason. Andre suffered an ignominious 
death, with a degree of composure and fortitude which 
proved how great and illustrious he might have been, had 
he not stooped, in an evil hour, to the commission of an 
ignominious action. 

Arnold received, as the reward of his trfcachery the 
sum of 10,000 pounds, and the rank of brigadier-general 
in the British army. But he was detested by his new 
associates, and his name will be for ever synonymous with 
infamy and baseness. In contrast with his, how bright 
shines the fame of the three captors of Andre. They were 
not then, nor can they ever be, forgotten by a country 
which owes so much to their fidelity. Each received the 
thanks of congress, a silver medal, and a pension for life, 
which has been doubled at a subsequent season of greater 
national prosperity. 

At the close of the year 1780, the troops of the northern 
army retired to the winter quarters which they had last 
occupied. Again they endured distress at which patriotism 
feels iiiUlguaui cimi iiuiiiciiiiij' »»ccjio. The harvest had 
been abundant. Plenty reigned in the land, bnt want in 
the camp of its defenders. Selfishness had succeeded pa- 
triotism, lassitude enthusiasm in the breasts of the people, 
and congress exerted its powers with too little vigor to 
draw forth the resources of the country. 

The soldiers of the Pennsylvania line were stationed at 
Morristown, in New-Jersey. They complained that, in 
addition to sustaining sufferings common to all, they were 
retained in service contrary to the terms of their enlist- 
ments. In the night of the first of January, thirteen hun- 
dred, on a concerted signal, paraded under arms, and de- 
clared their intention of marching to Philadelphia, and de- 
manding of congress a redress of their grievances. 

The officers strove to compel them to relinquish their 
purpose. In the attempt, one was killed and several were 
wounded. General Wayne presented his pistols as if in- 
tending to fire. They held their bayonets to his breast ; 
" We love Hiid respect you," said llie^, '* but if you fire 
you are a dead man. We are not going to the enemy. 
On the contrary, if they were now to come out, you 
sliould see us fight under your orders with as much eVlac- 



1780. REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 227 

rity as ever. But we will be amused no longer ; we are 
determined to obtain what is our just due." 

They elected temporary officers, and moved off in a 
body towards Princeton. General Wayne, to prevent 
them from plundering the inhabitants, forwarded provi- 
sions for their use. The next day he followed, and re- 
quested them to appoint a man from each regiment, to 
state to him their complaints. The men were appointed, 
a conference held, but he refused to comply with their 
demands. 

They proceeded in good order to Princeton. Three 
emissaries from Sir Henry Clinton meeting them here, 
made them liberal offers to entice them from the service 
of congress. The offers were instantly rejected, and the 
emissaries seized and confined in strict custody. Here 
they were also met by a committee of congress, and a de- 
putation from the state of Pennsylvania. The latter, grant- 
ing a part of their demands, persuaded them to return to 
their duty. The agents of Clinton were then given up, 
and immediately executed as spies. 

This mutiny, and another in the Jersey line, which was 
instantly suppressed, aroused the attention of the states to 
the miserable condition of their troops. The amount of 
three months pay was raised and forwarded to them in 
specie. They received it with joy, as it afforded evidence 
that their country was not unmindful of their sufferings. 



CHAPTER XXIII, 

CAMPAIGN OF 1781, AND TERMINATION 
OF THE WAR. 



In the spring of 1781, the project of besieging New- 
Vork was again resumed. Requisitions for men and stores 
were made upon the northern states, and, in June, the 
French and American troops, marching from their re- 
spective positions, encamped together on ground conti- 
guous to the city. But reinforcements and supplies ar- 
rived slowly, and the want of them compelled the troops 
in the field to remain inactive. 

In the southern department far different was the fortune 
of the opposing armies. That of which general Greene 
took the command, consisted of but 2000 men. Nearly 
one half of these he despatched under general Morgan into 
the western section of South-Carolina, where a British 
party, aided by the tories, were plundering and murdering 
the whigs without mercy and without restraint. 

Against the American detachment, Cornwallis despatch- 
ed Tarleton, with a force considerably superior, and a 
large proportion of it cavalry. Morgan began to retreat, 
but disdaining to fly from an enemy, and uncertain whether 
he could escape an officer so distinguished as his pursuer 
for the celerity of his movements, he, on the 17th of Ja- 
nuary, halted at the Cowpens, and determined to hazard a 
battle, before his troops became dispirited and fatigued. 

Soon after he had placed his men, the British van ap- 
peared in sight. Confident of an easy victory, Tarleton 
rushed to the charge with his usual impetuosity. The 
militia posted in front yielded, as directed by Morgan, to 
the shock ; and the infantry composing the second line, 
retreated a few yards. In the ardor of pursuit, the ene- 
my were thrown into disorder : the infantry, facing about, 
poured upon them a fire as deadly as it was unexpected, 

20 



130 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 178L 

Their disorder was increased, and a charge with the bayo- 
net completed their overthrow. One hundred of the 
enemy were killed, and five hundred made prisoners. 

Seldom has a victory, achieved by so small a number,, 
been so important in its consequenceSo It deprived Corn- 
wallis of one fifth of his force, and disconcerted his plans 
for the reduction of North-Carolina. He sought, however^ 
to repair by active exertions the loss which he had suffer- 
ed. Having learnt thai Morgan, the instant after his vic- 
tory, had marched with his prisoners towards Virginia, he 
determined, if possible, to intercept him, and compel him 
to restore his trophies. 

Now commenced a military race which has hardly its- 
parallel in history. Each army sirove to arrive first at 
the fords of the Catawba, from which both were equally 
distant. The American troops endured almost incredi- 
ble hardships. They were sometimes without meat, often 
without flour, and always without spiritous liquors. Ma- 
ny, marching over frozen ground without shoes, marked 
with blood every step of their progress. 

On the twelfth day after the battle, Morgan reached the 
fords and crossed the Catawba. Two hours afterwards, 
Cornvvallis arrived, and, it being then dark, encamped on 
the bank. In the night, a heavy fall of rain made the river 
impassable. This gave Morgan an opportunity to remove 
the prisoners beyond the reach of his pursuer. And 
here he was joined by general Greene, who, leaving the 
main body of his army, with orders to march towards Vir- 
ginia, had ridden with but two or three attendants, one 
hundred and fifty miles for that purpose. 

At the end of three days, Cornwallis found means io 
pass the river. The retreat and pursuit again commenced. 
On the second night, the Americans reached a ford on the 
Yadkin. Before all had crossed, the British appeared, 
find a part of the baggage was left in their power. Again 
the two armies lay encamped on the opposite banks, and 
before morning, this river also was made impassable by the 
rain. This second preservation from imminent danger, per- 
suaded the Americans that their cause was favored of 
heaven. 

The next day, Greene proceeded to Guilford court- 
house, where he was joined by the other division of hi? 



1781. REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 231 

army. CorDwallis, marching up the Yadkin, crossed at 
the shallow fords near its source. Both armies now start- 
ed for the river Dan, on the borders of Virginia, and dis- 
tant more than one hundred miles. The knowledge that 
there the course must terminate, gave fresh vigor to the 
troops, and a new impulse to their speed. On the fifth 
day, the American army, having, in the last twenty-four 
hours, marched forty miles, crossed the river in boats 
which had been collected for the purpose, and scarcely 
were they over, when the British appeared on the op- 
posite shore. 

Chagrined that his adversary had thus eluded his grasp, 
Cornwallis wheeled about and marched sullenly to Hills- 
borough. Here many loyalists repaired to his standard. 
Six hundred Virginia militia having, in the mean time, 
joined the American army, Greene determined to recross 
the Dan, and, by his presence in North-Carolina, support 
the courage of those who had embraced the cause of in- 
dependence. 

Cornwallis having detached Tarleton, with his legion, 
to the country on the branches of the Haw river, in order 
to countenance the rising of the loyalists in that neighbor- 
hood, a body of cavalry, under lieutenant-colonel Lee, and 
of militia under general Pickens, were directed to march 
thither and attack him. Lee, who led the van, overtook, 
in a long lane, a band of tories, on their way to the enemy. 
Mistaking him for Tarleton, they expressed a lively joy at 
the meeting, and declared their zealous attachment to the 
royal cause. 

Hoping to surprise Tarleton, who was but a mile in ad- 
vance, Lee forbore to correct their error ; but while he 
was endeavoring to pass them, the militia came up and 
engaged their rear. Relinquishing his first project, he 
ordered his cavalry to fall upon the tories, who were 
slaughtered without mercy, while protesting they were 
^'' the very best friends of the king." Between two and 
three hundred ware killed. Tarleton, alarmed by the 
firing, retreated instantly to Hillsborough, On his way, he 
cut down a small party of royalists, mistaking them for 
whig militia. 

Leaving Hillsborough, Cornwallis next encamped near 
QmiioTJ^ court:Iiouse. Greene, having been still further 



232 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 1781. 

strengthened by several bodies of militia, pursued and of- 
fered him battle. On the 15th of March, an engagement 
was fought. At the first fire, the North-Carolina militia, 
who were in the front line, fled. The second line was 
also routed. The continentals, who composed the third, 
fought with their usual bravery, and for an hour and a half 
maintained the conflict with great firmness. They at 
length gave way, but retreated in good order, the slaughter 
they had made in the enemy's ranks preventing pursuit. 
Both sides sustained nearly an equal loss. 

This victory, won b^' a far inferior force, was more glo 
rious than advantageous to the British army. Greene, 
expecting and desiring to be attacked at his place of re- 
treat, made preparations for a second engagement. Corn- 
wallis, far from courting a battle, deemed it prudent to 
retire to Wilmington, near the sea. He was pursued for 
a few days, but so excessive had been the sufferings of 
the Americans, from hunger and fatigue, that many fainted 
on the march, and at Ramsay's mills the army halted to 
seek refreshment and repose. 

After remaining three weeks at Wilmington, Cornwallis 
proceeded to Petersburgh, in Virginia. From Ramsay's 
mills, Greene marched towards Camden, where were post- 
ed nine hundred men, under the command of lord Raw- 
don. He took a position on Hobkirk's hill, about a mile 
from the British entrenchments. 

At this position, the Americans were attacked on the 
25th of April. In the beginning of the action, their brave- 
ry gained advantages which, in its progress, were lost by 
the premature retreat of two companies, occasioned by the 
death of all their officers. At this reverse of fortune, Greene 
retired a few miles from the field, both armies having sus 
tained nearly an equal loss. 

In April and May, several British posts in South-Caro 
line, fell into the power of the brave and active partizans, 
who, with small bodies of troops, were ever present, where 
oppression was to be resisted, or glory .won. Marion and 
Lee invested and took fort Watson. Orangeburg and fort 
Motte surrendered to Sumpter. Lee captured fort Gran- 
ley, and Marion drove from Georgetown the troops sta- 
tioned to defend it. None of these posts had numerous 
garrisons, the prisoners being less, in the wholeithan etgUl 



^'?B1» REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 233 

hundred ; but the advantages thej had secured to the ene- 
my, rendered their capture important to the American 
cause. 

About the last of May, Lord Rawdou retired to Monk's 
corner, near Charleston, leaving garrisons only at Ninety- 
Six, and Augusta. The latter post was besieged by Lee, 
and soon capitulated. Ninety-Six, which was much strong- 
er, was invested by the main army. The siege had con- 
tinued three weeks, and eventual success appeared certain, 
when intelligence arrived that Lord Rawdon, having re- 
ceived a reinforcement from Ireland, was approaching with 
two thousand men, to the relief of the place. 

All hope was now lost of reducing it by the slow ope- 
rations of a siege. On the 18th of June, the Americans, 
with great gallantry, made an assault upon the works. They 
were received with no less gallantry by the garrison, and 
repulsed. Greene then retired towards North Carolina. 
and three days afterwards lord Rawdon arrived at Ninety- 
Six. 

During this year, the inhabitants of the Carohnas endur- 
ed calamity and distress, from which humanity revolts with 
horror. The country was ravaged and plundered by both 
armies. The people, in sentiment, were about equally 
divided. Village was hostile to village, and neighbor to 
neighbor ; and their hostility had been embittered by ac- 
cusation and retort, by attack and reprisal, until pillage, 
burning, and murder, became familiar to nil. Whenever 
a republican or royalist fell into the power of an adversa- 
ry, he was instantly sacrificed in revenge of a friend, or to 
gratify political hatred. It is asserted that, in this manner, 
thousands were put to death. Each party aimed at the 
extirpation of the other, and the whole country presented 
an unvaried scene of blood and slaughter. But censure 
ought not to rest equally upon the two parties. In the 
commencement of the contest, the British, to terrify the 
people into submission, set an example which the tories 
were quick, but the whigs slow, to follow ; and in its pro- 
gress the American generals, and they alone, seized every 
occasion to discountenance such vindictive and barbarous 
conduct. 

Lord Rawdon having returned to England, the <♦ com- 
mand of the British troops, in South CaroHna, devolved 

20* 



234 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. ttS t 

upon lieutenant-colonel Stewart, In the beginning of Sep- 
tember, he took post at Eutaw. Greene marched against 
him from the high hills of Santee. Their forces were equal, 
amounting on each side to two thousand men. On the 8th, 
a battle was fought, more bloody perhaps than any which 
had occurred during the war. The attack was made by 
the Americans ; the British, resolute and brave, made an 
obstinate resistance, but were at length driven in disorder 
from the field. 

A small number, on their retreat, took possession of a 
large brick house, and others of an adjoining picketed gar- 
den. From these strong positions, a deadly fire was pour- 
ed upon the Americans, who persisted, for a longtime, in a 
rash attempt to take them by storm. This check enabled 
the British commander to rally his broken battalions, and 
bring them again into action. Greene, despairing of further 
success, withdrew his troops, carrying with him his wound- 
ed and prisoners. 

The loss on both sides was uncommonly great, in pro- 
portion to the numbers engaged. On the American side, 
the number of killed and wounded, amounted to five hun- 
dred and fifty ; on that of the British, as stated by them- 
selves, to almost seven hundred. This sanguinary battle 
was followed by the retreat of the British army towards 
Charleston. The Americans pursued, and by establish- 
ing a chain of posts at a short distance from that city, pro- 
tected the state from their incursions. 

Cornwallis, who left North Carolina in April, arrived 
at Petersburgh, in Virginia, on the 20th of May, He there 
formed a junction with a British detachment, which, com- 
manded at first by Arnold, and afterwards by Phillips, had 
previously gained possession of Richmond and Portsmouth. 
With the force now at his command, he flattered himself 
that he should be able to add this state also to the list of 
his conquests. 

The American troops, stationed in Virginia for its de- 
fence, were indeed entirely insufficient to oppose any ef- 
fectual resistance. Under their gaHant leader, the Marquis 
de la Fayette, they accomplished even more than was ex- 
pected ; but were unable to prevent the enemy from 
marching through the country, and destroying much public 
and private property. 



1781. REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 235 

From these excursions, Cornwallis was recalled to the 
sea-coast by his commander-in-chief, who having intercept- 
ed a letter from Washington to Congress, became ac- 
quainted with the danger which threatened New-York, he 
was directed to take a position near the ocean, where hi^ 
army and the fleet might afford mutual protection, until the 
event of the operations at the north should be known. He 
selected Yorktown and Gloucester Point, situated on op- 
posite sides of York river, which empties into Chesapeake 
bay. He had an army of more than 10,000 men, and ap- 
plied all his means, with unwearied industry and zeal, to 
fortify these commanding positions. 

In the mean time, but little progress had been made in 
the preparations to besiege New-York. Of the 6,000 men 
whom the northern states were required to furnish for that 
purpose, a few hundred only, at the beginning of August, 
had joined the army. On the other hand, the enemy in 
the city had been strengthened by the arrival of 3,000 Ger- 
mans. In this posture of aff^iirs, the idea of an expedition 
against Cornwallis occurred to the commander-in-chief. 
While deliberating on the enterprise, he received informa- 
tion that a French fleet, under the count De Grasse, with 
3,000 troops on board, was on the way to America, and 
destined to the Chesapeake. 

He hesitated no longer, but determined to conduct the 
expedition in person. The show of an intention to attack 
Nevv-York, was nevertheless preserved. After the troops 
left their respective positions, and crossed the Hudson, 
their march was so directed as to lead Sir Henry Clinton 
to believe that it was the object of Washington to gain pos- 
session of Staten Island, in order to facihtate his designs 
against the city. The despatches he had intercepted, as- 
sisted to deceive him, and not until the army had crossed 
the Delaware, and was thus beyond the reach of pursuit, 
did he suspect the real object of his adversary. 

He then determined to profit by his absence, or recall 
him, by some daring enterprise at the north. Giving to the 
traitor Arnold, who had just returned from Virginia, the 
command of a strong detachment, he sent him against New- 
London, a flourishing city situated upon the river Thames, 
in his native state. Nearly opposite, on a hill in Groton. 



236 REVOLUTIONARY "vVAR, ' 1781. 

stood fort Griswold, which was then garrisoned by militia, 
hastily summoned from their labors in the field. 

Against this fort, Arnold despatched a part of his troops. 
it was assaulted on three sides at the same moment. The 
garrison, fighting in view oftheir property and their homes, 
made a brave and obstinate resistance. By their steady 
and well-directed fire, many of the assailants were killed. 
Pressing forward with persevering ardor, the enemy enter- 
ed the fort through the embrazures. Immediately all re- 
sistance ceased. Irritated by gallantry which should have 
caused admiration, a British officer inquired who com- 
manded the fort. " I did," said colonel Ledyard, '* but 
you do now," and presented him his sword. He seized 
it, and with savage cruelty plunged it into his bosom. This 
was the signal for an indiscriminate massacre. Of one 
hundred and sixty men, composing the garrison, all but 
forty were killed or wounded, and most of them after re- 
sistance had ceased. Seldom has the glory of victory been 
tarnished by such detestable barbarity. 

The enemy then entered New-London, which was set on 
fire and consumed. The property destroyed was of im- 
mense value. Perceiving no other object within the reach 
of his force, Arnold led back his troops to New-York. 

The march of Washington was not arrested by this bar- 
barous inroad. He pressed forward with the utmost speed. 
the great object in view imparting vigor to his troops. At 
•Chester, he received the cheering intelligence, that admi- 
ral De Grasse had entered the Chesapeake with a force 
sufficiently strong to prevent the escape of the enemy by 
water. On the 25th of September, the last division of the 
allied forces arrived at the place appointed for their meet- 
ing. The whole consisted of 16,000 men, and were fur- 
nished with a large and powerful train of battering artillery. 

A body of troops under general De Choise was stationed 
to watch the small garrison at Gloucester Point, on the north 
bank of the river ; and on the 28th the several divisions, 
destined to besiege the main garrison at Yorktown, reach- 
ed the positions assigned them. On the night of the sixth 
of October, advancing to within "600 yards of the enemy's 
lines, they advanced their first parallel, and labored with 
such silence and diligence, that they were not discovered 



1781. REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 237 

until morning, when the works they had raised were suf- 
ficient to protect them. 

On the 9th, several batteries being completed, a heavy 
cannonade was begun. Many of the enemy's guns were 
dismounted, and portions of their fortifications laid level 
with the ground. On the night of the llth, the besiegers 
commenced their second parallel, three hundred yards in 
advance of the first. This approach was made so much 
sooner than was expected, that the men were not discover™, 
ed at their labor, until they had rendered themselves se- 
cure from all molestation in front. The fire from the new 
batteries was still more furious and destructive. 

From two British redoubts, in advance of their main 
works, and flanking those of the besiegers, the men in the 
trenches were so severely annoyed that Washington resol- 
ved to storm them. The enterprise against one was com- 
mitted to an American, that against the other to a French 
detachment. Colonel Hamilton, who led the van of the 
former, made such an impetuous attack, that possession was 
soon obtained, with little slaughter. Retaliation for the 
carnage at fort Griswold might have been justified. But 
" the soldiers," §aid colonel Hamilton, '* incapable of imi- 
tating examples of barbarity, and forgetting recent pro- 
vocation, spared every man that ceased to resist." The 
French detachment was equally brave and successful, but, 
opposed by a stronger force, sustained a more considerable 
loss. 

Cornwallis, perceiving no hope of safety but in flight, 
attempted, on the evening of the 16th to cross over to 
Gloucester, intending to force his way through the troops 
under De Choise, and proceed by rapid marches to New- 
York. Before reaching the opposite shore, with the first 
division of his army, a storm dispersed his boats and com 
pelled him to abandon the project. 

On the morning of the 17th, additional batteries were 
completed by the besiegers. The cannonade became too 
powerful to be resisted. The enemy's works weie sink- 
ing rapidly under it, and nearly all their guns were silenced. 
Before noon, Cornwallis beat a parley, and proposed that 
commissioners should be appointed to settle terms of sur- 
render. They were accordingly appointed; and on the 



238 ■ REV^OLUTIONARV WAR. 178-. 

19th of October, the terms which they had agreed upon 
were ratified by the respective commanders. 

The naval force in the harbor was surrendered to De 
Grasse, the garrison to the American general. To the 
garrison, the same terms were granted as had been con- 
ceded to the troops who capitulated at Charleston; and 
general Lincoln, who was present, was designated by 
Washington to receive the sword of Cornwallis. The 
number of prisoners exceeded seven thousand, of whom 
nearly three thousand were not fit for duty. 

On no occasion during the war, did the American peo- 
ple manifest greater exultation and joy. To the Giver of 
all good, they united in rendering, with grateful hearts, 
thanksgiving, and praise for the decisive victory which he 
had enabled them to gain. From the nature and duration 
of the contest, the affections of many had been so concen- 
trated upon their country, and so intense was their interest 
in its fate, that the news of this brilliant success produced 
the most rapturous emotions, under the operation of which 
some were deprived of their reason, and one aged patriot 
in Philadelphia expired. 

The loss of a second entire army extinguished every 
hope, which the people of Great Britain had entertained, 
of the subjugation of their colonies. Their burdens, 
which, although heavy, they had borne with patience, 
while animated by the prospect of success, now pressed 
with intolerable weight. They demanded, with an almost 
unanimous voice, that an end should speedily be put to a 
hopeless and ruinous war. 

The speech of the king to parliament, at the opening of 
the winter session, discovered, however, that his feelings 
and determination remained unchanged. Bearing no por- 
tion of the burdens of war, he felt, with undiminished force, 
his reluctance to part with the authorit}"^ which he had 
once exercised over three millions of subjects. 

But the house of commons, speaking the sentiments of 
the people, expressed, in energetic language, their disap- 
probation of all further attempts to reduce the colonies to 
obedience by force. Lord North, contrary to the wishes 
©f his sovereign, then resigned the office of prime min- 
ister. Another cabinet was formed, who advised the king 
to concede independence to the colonies. Early in tht'- 



^^^^' REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 23$ 

spring of 1782, pacific overtures were accordingly made 

Vol h n'"''" §«^^^""^ent, and both nations desisted 
Irom hostile measures. 

«nrw!»f ''"' ^'^''''""^y appointed John Adams, of Mas- 
achuselts a commissioner .to treat with Great Britain 
whenever her government should e!,press a desire Z' 
peace. He was one of the earliest opposers of parhamen 
tarj, encroachment. Actuated by hatred of tyranny asTell 
n love ot country, he had, befbre resistance wa.fcontem 

mind to the work of enlightening the people, and prepar- 
g then, for the contest which he lorisa^ was app^oa'ch- 
g. In the continental congress he was conspicuous for 
Is talents and zeal. Appointed minister to Holland he 
succeeded in obtaining a loan at Amsterdam, when the re^ 
sources o( his country were almost exhausted, and in con- 
■ LKhng with that republic a treaty of amity and commerce, 
As colleagues with him, congress now appointed Benja- 
min Franklin, John Jay, and Henry Laurens. The tilt 
was minister to France. He was bdoyed by his country 
hrollo ,7,Vr' \". !>'"', .'•«."''«'-,^rf her ; and illustrious 
p losophy. John Jay was a native of New Yo k : was 
di tmgnished for the purity of his moral character, and hi' 
attachment to the rights of mankind. He had loni been, 
member of congress, and was then the representative of 
the United States at the Spanish court. Henry Laurens 
was a citizen of South Carolina, had been president of con! 
gress, had been appointed minister to Holland, but when 
crossing the ocean, was captured by a British cruiser and 
confined, on a charge of treason, to (he tower of London 
n the endurance of suiferirgs in his country's causj b^ 
displayed a character formed after the models of antiqiity 
To negotiate with these, Mr. Oswald was appointed on 
the part of Great Britain. The conferences ,^Kld a 
Pans, where, in November, 178?, preliminary articles 
w-ere agreed upon These were to form the basis of a 
defamt.ve treaty the conclusion of which was deferred 
unti, peace should take place between France, the ally of 
the United States, and Great Britain. That eJent ocn'r 
red on the third day of Seplembcr, 1783 ; and on the same 



240 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 1783. 

day, a definitive treaty between the parent country and 
her late colonies was also signed. 

The provisions of the treaty attest the zeal and ability 
of the American negotiators, as well as the liberal feelings 
which actuated the new British ministry. The indepen- 
dence of the United States was fully acknowledged. The 
ricrht of iishing on the banks of Newfoundland, and certain 
facilities in the enjoyment of that right, were secured to 
them for ever ; and territory was ceded to them more ex- 
tensive than the most sanguine had dared to anticipate or 
to hope. During the negotiation, France, to insure the 
future dependence of her allies upon herself, endeavored, 
by secret intrigues, to prevent them from obtaining as 
favorable terms as even their late enemies were willing to 
o-rant a striking proof of the selfishness of nations. 

While the negotiations were pending the American 
troops were retained in service, but remained unemploy- 
ed at their various stations. They saw with pleasure the 
end of their toils approaching, but apprehended, that their 
country, when she no longer needed their services, would 
forget with what zeal and fidelity they had been rendered. 
The officers, especially, dreaded that, after having, for 
want of pay, expended their private fortunes, and after 
having exhausted their strength in the performance of ar- 
duous and protracted services, they should be dismissed 
in poverty, without any secure provision for their future 

support. , . , , , J * 1 

In the course of the war, a resolution had been adopted 
by conc'ress, stipulating that the officers, after being dis- 
banded! should receive half-pay for life. This resolution 
had never been ratified by the requisite number of states, 
and no safe reliance could therefore be placed upon it. In 
December, 1782, the officers forwarded to congress a peti- 
tion praying that all arrears which were due to them might 
be discharged, and that, instead of half-pay for life, a sum 
equal to five years full pay should be paid or secured to 
them when disbanded. 

The delay of congress to comply with this request pro- 
duced an alarming agitation in that portion of the army sta- 
tioned at Newburgh. An address to the officers was pri- 
vately circulated, written with great ability, and admirably 
well fitted to work upon those passions which recent suf- 



]7S3c REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 241 

ferlngs and gloomy forebodings had excited in every bosom. 
The writer boldly recommended that, as aU the applica- 
tions to the sympathy and justice of congress had failed of 
success, an appeal should be made to their fears. 

Fortunately the commander-in-chief was in camp. 
Though conscious that the officers had just cause of com- 
plaint, he was aware that duty to his country and even 
friendship for them, required that he should prevent the 
adoption of rash and disorderly expedients to obtain redress. 
Calling them together, he, by a calm and sensible address, 
persuaded them to rely still longer upon the disposition of 
congress to perform for them whatever the limited means 
of the nation would permit. 

In a letter to that body, giving an actount of these oc- 
currences, he maintained and enf|^ced the claims of the 
officers with such pathos and strength of reasoning, that 
their request was granted. In November, 1783, the 
PATRIOT ARMY was disbanded, and again mingled with their 
fellow citizens. In the same month, New-York was eva- 
cuated by the British troops. General Washington, taking 
an aifectionate leave of his officers, repaired to Annapolis, 
where congress was sitting, and there, at a public audiencej 
with dignity and sensibility, resigned his commission as 
commander-in-chief of the American armies. Then, with 
a character illustrious throughout the world, he returned 
to his residence at Mount Vernon, possessing the sincere 
love and prolound veneration of his countrymen. 



.91 



CHAiPTER XXIV. 

ADOPTION OF CONSTITUTION, AND 
WASHINGTON'S ADMINISTRATION. 



{ndependence and peace did not immediately produce 
all the advantages which had been anticipated by an ardent 
and sanguine people. The evils of war were protracted be 
yond its duration. Public and private debts bore heavily 
upon the people, restraining their enterprise and demanding 
all their resources. 

Unsupported by the sense of imminent and common 
danger, the articles of confederation were found insuf- 
ficient to accomplish the purposes of a national government. 
They conferred upon congress the power, not to raise mo- 
ney, but merely to make requisitions upon the states 
These were often disregarded, no authority being given to 
enforce obedience. The revenue was therefore deficient, 
the public creditors were unpaid, and the national secu- 
rities or evidences of debt depreciated so low that they 
were often sold for one eighth of their nominal value. 

Neither did these articles confer the power to regulate 
commerce. Congress, therefore, could not make commer- 
cial treaties with foreign nations which would be obligatory 
?ipon the individual states. Unprotected by treaties, and 
unsupported by countervailing regulations, the American 
merchants were denied all participation, except on terms 
at once burdensome and degrading in the commerce ol 
the world. The trade between the several states, which 
were considered separate and independent sovereignties, 
was also embarrassed by numerous restrictions, producing 
frequent collisions, and diminishing the benefits which na- 
turally flow from the unfettered enterprise and industry of 
man. Commerce languished ; and from the want of itsvi- 
^ifying influence, all the energies of the country were 
^iormant. ^ 



244 CONFEDERATION. 1786. 

, To remedy these evils, congress applied to the states 
for a grant of the power to regulate commerce, and to col- 
lect a revenue from it. New-York alone refused ; but as 
unanimity vras requisite, her single negative defeated the 
project. In the mean time, the distress increased, and in 
Massachusetts, where it was greatest, urged to insurrection 
a portion of the inhabitants. Near the close of the year. 
1786, they assembled to the number of two thousand, in 
the northwestern part of the state, and, choosing Daniel 
Shays their leader, demanded that the collection of debts 
should be suspended, and that the legislature should au- 
thorize the emission of paper money for general circula- 
tion. 

Two bodies of militia, drawn from those parts of the 
state where disaffection did not prevail, were immediately 
despatched against them, one under the command of general 
Lincoln, the other of general Shepard. They were easily 
dispersed ; and afterwards abandoning their seditious pur- 
poses, accepted the proffered indemnity of the govern- 
ment. 

So early as 1783, John Adams, being then minister in 
Europe, and seeing in what light the American confede- 
ration was regarded by foreign nations, suggested to con- 
gress the expediency of effecting a closer union of the 
states, and of conferring more efficient powers upon thd 
general government. A conviction of the necessity of such 
a course was also felt by general Washington, and most of 
the distinguished patriots of that period. In September, 
1786, upon the proposition of xMr. Madison, of Virginia, a 
convention of commissioners from five of the middle states^ 
was held at Annapolis, for the purpose of devising and re- 
commending to the state? a uniform system of commercial 
regulations. 

These commissioners, after deliberating upon the sub- 
ject, came to the conclusion that nothingshort ofa thorough 
reform of the existing government should be attempted. 
This opinion was expressed in the report of their proceed- 
ings, which was laid before congress. That body adopted, 
in consequence, a resolution recommending that a conven- 
tion of delegates from all the states should be held at Phi- 
ladelphia, for the purpose of revising the articles of con- 
federation, and reporting such alterations as would reoder 



1787. CONFEDERATION. 245 

the federal constitution adequate to the exigences of go- 
vernment, and the preservation of the Union. 

With this recommendation all the states, except Rhode 
Island, complied ; and in May, 1787, the convention met. 
Of this body of venerable and illustrious statesmen, George 
Washington was unanimously elected president. They 
deliberated with closed doors, and at the end of four 
months, agreed upon a constitution for the United States 
of America, which, after being reported to congress, was 
submitted for ratification to conventions holden in the re- 
spective states. 

This constitution, under which the citizens of this re- 
public have enjoyed such unexampled happiness and pros- 
perity, differs, in many particulars, from the articles of 
confederation. It connects the states more closely together, 
by establishing a general and supreme government com- 
posed of three departments, legislative, executive, and ju- 
dicial. 

The legislative department consists of a senate and 
house of representatives, and is styled the congress. The 
number of the house are chosen by the people, and hold 
their offices two years. They are apportioned among the 
several states, according to the number of inhabitants, as 
ascertained every tenth year by the census, deducting two 
fifths of the slaves. 

The senators are the representatives of the states, in 
their sovereign capacity, and are chosen by the state le- 
gislatures, each choosing two. The constitution ordained 
that on assembling at the first session, they should be di- 
vided, as equally as possible, into three classes. Those 
composing the first class were to hold their offices but two 
years ; those composing the second class, four years ; those 
composing the third, six years. All subsequently chosen 
were to hold their offices six years, except such as should 
be chosen to supply the places of those who had died or 
resigned. Besides their legislative power, they have, in 
concurrence with the executive, a voice in all appoint- 
ments to office, and in the ratification of treaties. 

The executive power is vested in a president appointed 
by electors. These electors are chosen in the respective 
states, in such manner as the different legislatures may pre- 
scribe, and are equal in number to the senators and repre= 

2J* 



246 CONFEDERATION. 1767. 

sentatives from the state in congress. He is elected for 
four years ; but he may be impeached by the house, tried 
by the senate, and, if convicted of misconduct, may be re- 
moved from office. He is commander-in-chief of the land 
and naval forces. He nominates to the senate all officers 
of the general government, and with the advice and consent 
of two thirds of that body, ratifies treaties. A vice-pre- 
sident is chosen at the same time, and in the same manner, 
to perform all the duties of president when that office is 
vacant by death, resignation, or removal. 

To pass a law the house and senate must concur, and it 
is then to be sent to the president, who must approve it. If 
he does not approve it, he must return it with his objec- 
tions ; and it must then be agreed to by two-thirds of both 
branches. Laws thus enacted are obligatory upon the ci- 
tizens individually, and may be executed by officers ap- 
pointed by the president and senate. Under the confede- 
ration, the ordinances of Congress operated only upon the 
states, and no efficient mode was provided for enforcing 
them. 

The constitution confers on congress the power to de- 
clare war ; to raise and support armies ; to provide and 
maintain a navy ; to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts, 
and excises ; to regulate commerce ,• to coin money ; and 
all other powers of a general or national character. It 
diminishes, in no respect, the liberty of the citizen, but 
transfers a portion of the powers, previously exercised by 
the state governments, to the government of the union. 

The judicial power of the United States is vested in a 
supreme court, and such inferior courts as the congress 
may establish ; and it extends to all cases arising under the 
constitution, the laws of congress, and treaties ; to all cases 
of admiralty and maritime jurisdiction ; to all controversies 
between citizens of different states, and between foreign- 
ers and citizens : the judges hold their offices during good 
behaviour. 

The new constitution found opposers, as well as advo- 
cates, and both were equally zealous. The former, ar- 
dently attached to liberty, imagined that rulers possessing 
such extensive sway, such abundant patronage, and such 
independent tenure of office, would become fond of the ex- 



1789. Washington's administration, 247 

ercise of power, and in the end, arrogant and tyrannical. 
The latter professed equal attachment to liberty, but con- 
tended that to preserve it, an energetic government was 
necessary. They described, with powerful effect, the evils 
actually endured from the inefficiency of the confederation, 
and demanded that a trial at least should be made of the re- 
m^y proposed. These took the name of federalists, as 
friendly to a union of the states ; the appellation of anti- 
federalists was given to their antagonists. 

In the conventions of eleven states, a majority, though 
in some instances a small one, decided in favor of its ratifi- 
cation. Provision was then made for the election of the 
officers to compose the executive and legishUive depart- 
ments. To the highest station, the electors, by a unani- 
mous vote, elected George Washington, illustrious for his 
virtues and military talents. To the second, that of vice- 
president, by a vote nearly unanimous, they elevated John 
Adams, who, in stations less conspicuous, had, with equal 
patriotism, rendered important services to his country. 

The fourth of March, 1789, was the day designated for 
the new government to commence its operations. The 
delays incident to its tirst organization, prevented the in- 
auguration of the President, until the 30th of April. The 
ceremony was witnessed with inexpressible joy, by an im- 
mense concourse of citizens. In an impressive address to 
both houses of Congress, he declared, with characteristic 
modesty, his " incapacity for the mighty and untried cares 
before him," and offered his " fervent supplications to 
that Almighty Being, whose providential aid can supply 
every human defect, that his benediction would consecrate 
to the liberties and happiness of the people of the United 
States, a government instituted by themselves for these es- 
sential purposes ; and would enable every instrument em- 
])loyed in its administration, to execute with success, the 
functions allotted to hi^ charge." 

lie also expressed his firm conviction, " that the foun- 
dation of our national policy would be laid in the pure and 
immutable principles of private morality ; and that the 
pre-eminence of a free government would be exemplified 
by all the attributes which can win the affections of i^*^ 
citizens, and command the respect of the world." m 

** I dwell," said he, " on this prospect with every satis- 



248 Washington's ADMINISTRATION. 17S9, 

faction which an ardent love for my conntr}' can inspire ] 
since there is no truth more thoroughly established, than 
that there exists, in the economy and course of nature, an 
indissoluble union between virtue and happiness ; between 
duty and advantage ; between the genuine maxims of an 
honest and magnanimous policy, and the solid rewards of 
public prosperity and felicity ; and since the destiny of 
the republican model of government is justly considered 
as DEEPLY, perhaps a? finally^ staked on the experiment 
intrusted to the American peopfe." 

To establish a revenue sufficient for the support of go- 
vernment, and for the discharge of the debt contracted in 
the revolutionary war, was the first object of congress,. 
For this purpose, duties were laid on the importation of 
merchandise, and on the tonnage of vessels ; and from 
those sources were drawn into the national treasury, funds 
which had before been collected and appropriated by the 
states on the sea coast. 

Laws, creating a department of state, of the treasury, 
and of war, were enacted ; and Mr. Jefferson, Mr. Hamil- 
ton, and general Knox, appointed secretaries or principals. 
A national judiciary was constituted and organized. A re- 
solve was passed, directing the secretary of the treasury 
to prepare a plan for the support of public credit ; and 
amendments to the constitution were proposed, which 
were subsequently ratified by the states ; and which, re- 
moving many of the objections made to it, rendered it ac- 
ceptable to all. 

After the adjournment of congress, the president made 
a tour through New-England, where he was received by 
the inhabitants with an affection bordering on adoration. 
People of all classes crowded to behold the man whose. 
virtues and talents exalted him, in their view, above tiie 
heroes of ancient and modern times ; and to present to 
him the undissembled homage of their grateful hearts. 
But to none did his visit give more exquisite pleasure 
than to the officers and soldiers of the " patriot army," 
who had been his companions in suffering and in victory, 
who were endeared to him by their bravery and fidelity 
in war, and 6y the magnanimity with which, in peace, 
they endured unmerited neglect and poverty. 

At the next session of congress, which commenced in 



1790. Washington's admimstration. > 249 

January, 1790, Mr. Hamilton, the secretary of the treasu- 
ry, made his celebrated report upon the public debts con- 
tracted during the revolutionary war. Taking an abl« 
and enlarged view of the advantages of public credit," he 
recommended that, not only the debts of the continental 
congress, but those of the states arising from their exer- 
tions in the common cause, should be funded or assumed 
by the general government ; and that provision should be 
made for paying the interest, by imposing taxes on cer- 
tain articles of luxury, and on spirits distilled within the 
country. 

Upon this report an animated debate look place. Its 
recommendations were opposed by that party who had 
seen, or thought they had seen, in the constitution, many 
features hostile to freedom, and who remembered that Mr. 
Hamilton, when a member of the convention, had pro- 
posed that the president and senate should be appointed to 
hold their offices during good behaviour. They now ex- 
pressed their fears, that the assumption of these debts 
^vould render the government still stronger, by drawing 
around it a numerous and powerful body of public credi- 
tors, who, in all its contests with the states or the people, 
would be bound, by the strongest of all ties, that of inter- 
est, to support it whether right or wrong. This party, 
existing principally in the southern states, and professing 
an ardent attachment to the equal rights of man, took the 
name of republican. 

Mr. Madison proposed, that whenever the public secu- 
rities had been transferred, the highest price which they 
had borne in the market should be paid to the purchaser, 
and the residue to the original holder. After an eloquent 
debate, this proposition was rejected. The party denomi- 
nated federal, and existing principally in the northern 
states, supported throughout, with great ability and force 
of reasoning, the plans of the secretary ; but on taking the 
vote in the house of representatives, they were rejected 
by a majority of two. 

Afterwards this national measure was connected, as is 
too frequently the case in legislative bodies, with one 
which had excited much local feeling. It was understood 
that, should the seat of government be fixed for ten years 
8t Philadelphia; and afterwards permanently at a place iu 



^0 -Washington's administration* 1791. 

be selected on the Potomac, some southern members 
would withdraw their opposition to the funding system. A 
law to that effect was accordingly enacted. The former 
discussion was then resumed. The plans of the secretary 
were adopted in the senate and afterwards in the house, two 
members representing districts on the Potomac, changing 
their votes. The debt funded amounted to a little more 
than seventy-five millions of dollars ; upon a part of which 
three per cent., and upon the remainder six per cent, in- 
terest was to be paid. 

The effect of this measure was great and rapid. The 
price of the public paper, which had fallen to twelve or 
iifteen cents on the dollar, suddenly rose to the sum ex- 
pressed on the face of it. This difference was gained, in 
most instances, by purchasers of the securities, who, feel- 
ing indebted for this immense accession of wealth, to the 
plans of the secretary, regarded him with enthusiastic at- 
tachment. But in others, this wealth, suddenly acquired 
without merit, excited envy and dissatisfaction. These 
joined the republican party ; who, fancying they were 
witnessing the fulfilment of their prediction, became mor^ 
active in their opposition. 

The recommendation of the secretary to impose addi- 
tional duties, was not acted upon until the next session of 
congress. Those on distilled spirits were proposed in 
order to render the burdens of the inhabitants beyond the 
Alleghany mountains, where no other spirits were con- 
sumed, equal to those of the inhabitants on the sea coast, 
who consumed most of the articles on which an import 
duty was paid. In the beginning of the year 1791, they 
were laid as proposed. A national bank, recommended 
also by the same officer, was in the same year incorpora- 
ted. Both measures met a violent opposition from the re» 
publican party. 

When the new government was first organized, but eleven 
states had ratified the constitution. Afterwards, North- 
Carolina and Rhode-Island, the two dissentingstates, adopted 
it; the former in November, 1789, the latter in May, 1790. 
In 1791, Vermont adopted it, and applied to congress to 
be admitted into the union. The territory of this state* 
situated between New-Hampshire and New-York, was 
claimed by both, and both had made grants of land within 



1790, WASHINGTON'S ADMINISTRATION. 251 

Its limits. In 1777, the inhabitants, refusing to submit to 
either, declared themselves independent. Although not 
represented in the continental congress, yet, during the 
war, they embraced the cause of their brethren in the 
other states, and to them their aid was often rendered, and 
was always efficient. Agreeably to their request, an act 
was now passed, constituting Vermont one of the members 
of the union. An act was also passed, declaring that the 
district of Kentucky, then a part of Virginia, should be 
admitted into the union on the iirst day of June, in the 
succeeding year. 

In 1791, was completed the first census or enumeration 
of the inhabitants of the United States. They amounted 
to 3,921,326, of which number 695,665 were slaves. The 
revenue, according to the report of the secretary of the 
treasury, amounted to 4,771,000 dollars, the exports to 
about nineteen, and the imports to about twenty millions, 
A great improvement in the circumstances of the people 
began at this period to be visible. The establishment of 
a firm and regular government, and confidence in the men 
whom they had chosen to administer it, gave an impulse to 
their exertions which bore them rapidly forward in the 
career of prosperity. 

In 1790, a termination was put to the war which, for 
several years, had raged between the Creek Indians and 
the state of Georgia. Pacific overtures were also made 
to the hostile tribes inhabiting the banks of the Sciota and 
the Wabash. These being^ rejected, an army of 1400 
men, commanded by general Harmer, was dej-patched 
against them. Two battles were fought near Chillicothe, 
in Ohio, between successive detachments from this army 
and the Indians, in which the latter were victorious. 

Emboldened by these successes, they made more vigor- 
ous attacks upon the frontier settlements, which suffered 
all the distressing calamities of an Indian war. Additional 
troops were raised, and the command of the whole was 
given to general St. Clair. With near 2000 men, he 
marched, in October, into the wilderness. By desertion 
and detachments, this force was reduced to fourteen hun- 
dred. On the third of November, they encamped a few 
miles from the villages on the Miami, intending to re» 
main there until joined by those who were absent. 



'25^' Washington's administration. 1793. 

But before sunrise, the next morning, just after the 
troops were dismissed from the parade, they were attack- 
ed unexpectedly by the Indians. The new levies, who 
were in front, rushed back in confusion upon the regulars. 
These, who had been hastily formed, were thrown into 
disorder. They, however, with great intrepidity, advanc- 
ed into the midst of the enemy, who retired from covert to 
covert, keeping always beyond reach, and again returning 
as soon as the troops were recalled from pursuit. In these 
charges many brave and experienced officers were killed ; 
the loss of men was also great, and no permanent impres- 
sion was made upon the enemy. 

At length, after a contest of three or four hours, St. 
Clair, whose ill health disabled him from performing the 
active duties of commander, determined to withdraw from 
the field the remnant of his troops. The instant that the 
directions to retire were given, a disorderly flight com- 
menced. Fortunately for the survivors, the victorious In- 
dians were soon recalled from pursuit to the camp, by their 
avidity for plunder ; and the vanquished continued their 
retreat unmolested to the frontier settlements. 

In this battle, the numbers engaged on each side were 
supposed to be equal. Of the whites, the slaughter was 
almost beyond example. Six hundred and thirty were 
killed and missing, nnd two hundred and sixty were wound- 
ed — a loss which proves at once the obstinacy of the de- 
fence, and the bravery of the assailants. On receiving in- 
formation of this disaster, congress, resolving to prosecute 
the war with increased vigor, made provision for augment- 
ing, by enlistment, the military force of the nalion to 5000 
men. 

In the autumn of 1792, General Washington was again 
unanimously elected president of the American republir, 
and in March, 1793, was inducted into office. Mr. Adams 
was re-elected vice president in opposition to George Clin- 
ton, of New-York. In the progress of these elections, but 
little party feeling was exhibited ; the repose of society 
was not disturbed, but the citizens raised to posts of the 
highest honor those whom their judgments and afTectiows 
designated as the most worthy. 

While the Americans, with but little alloy, were enjoy- 
ing, under a government of their own choice, the blessiings 



1793. Washington's administration. 253 

of independence nn^ freedom, the people of France, by 
whose aid these blessings had been acquired, were expe- 
riencing all the miseries of anarchy. Grievously oppress- 
ed by institutions c-iginating in times of ignorance and bar- 
barism, they had risen in the majesty of physical strength, 
and declared their determination to be free. Against a 
whole people, aroused by their sufferings to demand their 
rights, what effectual resistance can be opposed ? Be- 
fore their energetic exertions, prompted by enthusiasm 
and directed by fatal skill, their ancient government crum- 
bled to the dust. 

Passing at once from abject slavery to entire liberty, 
their conduct was marked by the most shocking excesses. 
The mild virtues of their king, alleviating but slightly the 
evils of despotism, could not save him from that resent- 
ment which consigned to indiscrimmate destruction the 
hereditary orders. Himself, his queen, and many thou- 
sands of the nobility and clergy, suffered death on the 
scaffold. A new government was instituted, having, for its 
fundamental principle, the universal equality of man. Its 
form was often changed, and the reins of authority were 
successively but unsteadily, held by tb«^ temporary favor- 
ites of an unenlightened and capric'-^us people. 

The Americans could not regard with indifference this 
struggle of their allies foc freedom. They considered 
their excesses as the i^rst effects of sudden relief from op- 
pression, and hope^i that experience would produce sobri- 
ety of conduct and reverence for law. They hailed the 
French re'ohition as the offspring of their own, and che- 
rished the flattering expectation that, by the diffusion of 
the principles of liberty, the whole civilized world would 
become partakers of its blessings. 

The French people, at the same time, regarded the 
Americans as their brethren, bound to them by the ties of 
ijratitude ; and when the kings of Europe, dreading the esta- 
blishment of republicanism in her borders, assembled in 
arms to restore monarchy to France, they looked across 
the Atlantic for sympathy and assistance. The new go- 
vernment, recalling the minister whom the king had ap- 
pointed, despatched the citizen Genet, of ardent temper 
and a zealous republican, to supply his place.. In April. 
J 793, he arrived at Charleston, in South Carohna, where 

22 



254 Washington's administration, 1793,. 

he was received, by the governor and the citizens, in a 
manner expressive of their warm attachment to his coun- 
try, and their cordial approbation of the change of her in- 
stitutions. 

Fhittered by his reception, and presuming that the nation 
and the government were actuated by similar feelings, he 
assumed the authority of expediting privateers from that 
port to cruise against the vessels of nations who were ene- 
mies to France, but at peace with the United States, a pro- 
cedure forbidden by the laws of nations, and derogatory to 
the government of the country. 

Notwithstanding this illegal assumption of power, he re- 
ceived, on his journey to Philadelphia, extravagant marks 
of public attachment; and, on his arrival there, " crowds 
docked from every avenue of the city to meet the republi- 
can ambassador of an allied nation." Intoxicated by these 
continued and increased demonstrations of regard, he per- 
sisted in forming and executing schemes of hostiUty against 
the enemies of France. 

The British minister complained to the president, who,, 
by the unanimous advice of his cabinet, directed Mr. Jef- 
ferson, the secretary of state, to lay before the minister of 
France the principles vtViich would regulate the conduct of 
the executive in relation ivj the powers at war. These 
principles forbade the course whkh Mr. Genet had pursued. 
Relying on the popularity of his naiu^n, he attempted, by 
insolent and offensive declarations, to drive the president 
from the ground he had taken. Pie threaWned to appeal 
from the government to the people, a measure which other 
agents of the French republic had adopted with success in 
Europe. Here the result was different. The people ral- 
lied around rulers, having the same interest as themselves. 
The minister was abandoned by most of his friends ; his 
government, at the request of the president, annulled his 
powers ; and fearing to return, he remained in the country, 
a striking example of the imbecility of a factious individual 
among a people confiding in their rulers, and contented 
with their lot. 

This conduct of Mr. Genet, the atrocities committed by 
the French people, and the dreaded danger of their exam- 
ple, alienated from them many of the citizens of the United 
States, especially those belonging to the federal party.— 



1794. Washington's administration. £56 

And as the world was then agitated by the mighty contest 
between France and Great Britain — a contest which per- 
mitted not neutrahty of feehng— those who became hostile 
to the former became naturally the friends of the latter. 
To her they were besides attracted by identity of origin, 
by resemblance of institutions, by similarity of language, 
by community of laws, of literature, and of religion. 

The republicans retained an unabated affection for the 
French, whose services they remembered with gratitude, 
and whose struggles for freedom, against the league of Eu- 
ropean tyrants, engaged all their sympathy. Over these 
two parties Washington, admitting no thought but for his 
own country, watched with anxious solicitude, striving to 
restrain their aberrations, and to temper their mutual ani- 
mosities. 

After the defeat of St. Clair by the Indians, in 1791, 
general AVayne was appointed to command the American 
forces. Taking post near the country of the enemy, he 
made assiduous and long protracted endeavors to negotiate 
a peace. Failing in these, he marched against them, at 
the head of three thousand men. On the 20th of August, 
1.794, an action took place in the vicinity of one of the 
British garris/^na, on tko launlzc of tliA lVrinnr>i. A rapid and 
vigorous charge roused the savages from their coverts, 
and they were driven more than two miles at the point of 
the bayonet. Broken and dismayed, they fled without re- 
newing the combat. Their houses and cornfields were 
destroyed, and forts were erected on the sites of the towns 
laid waste. In 1795, a treaty was concluded atGrenville, 
which, long and faithfully observed, gave peace and secu- 
rity to the frontier inhabitants, permitting the superabun- 
^lant population of the eastern states to spread with aston- 
ishing rapidity over the fertile region northwest of the 
Ohio. 

The tax which had been imposed upon spirits distilled 
within the country, bearing heavily upon the people in 
the western counties of Pennsylvania, produced there dis- 
affection and disturbance. All excise taxes, of which 
this was one, being considered hostile to liberty, great ex- 
ertions were made to excite the public resentment against 
those who should willingly pay it, and especially against 
ike officers appointed to collect it. In September, 1791, 



256 Washington's administration. 1794. 

a large meeting of malcontents was held at Pittsburgh, at 
which resolutions, encouraging resistance to the laws, 
were passed ; and subsequentl}' other meetings were held, 
at which similar resolutions were adopted. Committees 
of correspondence were also appointed to give unity of 
system to their measures, and to increase the number of 
their associates. 

A proclamation of the president, exhorting all persons 
to desist from illegal combinations, and calling on the ma- 
gistrates to execute the laws, was disregarded. The mar- 
shall of the state, while serving processes upon delin- 
quents and oifenders, was resisted and fired upon. The 
inspector of the revenue, dreading the indignation of the po- 
pulace, procured a small detachment of soldiers to guard 
his house. These were attacked by a body of five hun- 
dred insurgents, who, setting fire to several contiguous build- 
ings, obliged the soldiers to leave the house, and deliver 
themselves up. Several individuals, zealous in supporting 
the government, were ordered to quit the country and 
compelled to obey. An intention was openly avowed of 
forcibly resisting the general government with the view 
of extorting a repeal of the offensive laws. The effective 

strength of the in«inrgpnt« wnc r'nmpnfiafl at epven thousand 

men. 

The president, conceiving himself bound by the most 
solemn obligations, '* to take care that the laws be faithfully 
executed," determined to call out a part of the militia of 
Pennsylvania, and the adjacent states, to suppress this 
insurrection. In the autumn of 1794, fifteen thousand 
were detached, and being placed under the command of 
governor Lee, of Virginia, were marched into the disaf- 
fected counties. The strength of this army rendering re- 
sistance desperate, none was offered, and no blood was 
shed. A few of the most active leaders were seized and 
detained for legal prosecution. The great body of the in- 
surgents on submission were pardoned, as were also the 
leaders, after trial and conviction of treason. The govern- 
ment acquired the respect of the people, by this exertion 
of its force, and their affection, by this display of its lenity. 

Since the peace of 1783, Great Britain and the United 
States, had each incessantly complained that the other had 
violated the stipulations contained in the treaty. The 



1795. Washington's administration, 257 

Ibrmer was accused of having carried away negroes at the 
close of the revolutionary war; and of retaining in her 
possession certain military posts situated in the western 
wilderness, and within the limits of the United States, in 
consequence of which the Americans w^re deprived of 
their share of the fur trade, and the Indians incited to make 
incursions upon the frontier settlements. The latter were 
accused of preventing the loyalists from regaining posses- 
sion of their estates, and British subjects from recovering 
debts contracted before the commencement of hostilities. 

For the purpose of adjusting these mutual complaints, 
and also of concluding a commercial treaty, Mr. Adams, in 
1785, was appointed minister to London. Great Britain, 
aware that the articles of contederation did not authorize 
congress to bind the states by a commercial treaty, de- 
clined then to negotiate. After the constitution was ratified, 
ministers were interchanged, and the discussion was prose- 
cuted with no little acrimony and zeal. 

In 1794, Mr. Jay being then minister from the United 
States, a treaty was concluded, which, in the spring of the 
next year was laid before the senate. That body advised 
the president to ratify it, on condition that an alteration 
should be made in one of the articles. Its contents hav- 
ing, in the mean time, been disclosed, the republican par- 
ty exclaimed, in intemperate language, against most of the 
stipulations it contained. The partis ans of France swell- 
<ed the cry of condemnation. Public meetings were held 
in various parts of the union, at which resolutions were 
passed expressing warm disapprobation of the treaty, 
and an earnest wish that the president would withhold his 
ratification. Such appeared to be the wish of a great ma- 
jority of the people. 

General Washington, believing that an adjustment of dif- 
ferences would conduce to the prosperity of the republic, 
and that the treaty before him was the best that could, at 
that time, be obtained, gave it his assent, in defiance of 
poptilar clamor. So great was the confidence reposed, 
by the people, in their beloved chief-magistrate, that the 
public sentiment began immediately to change. The 
friends of the treaty not only increased in numbers, but 
gained courage to speak in its defence. And during the 
summer of 1795, the nation was agitated by a zealous and 
animated disaussion of its merits. 



258 Washington's administration', 17^5, 

At the next session of congress, it became a subject of 
coi^sideration in the house of representatives. The trea- 
ty, its negotiator, and even the president, were virulently 
censured, and warmly defended, in a debate which has 
seldom been equalled for its intemperance, its eloquence, 
or its duration. On the final question, a majority of three 
voted in favor of the appropriation necessary to carry it 
into effect. The subsequent prosperity of American 
commerce demonstrates the wisdom of the president's de- 
cision. 

The conduct of Spain towards the United States, had 
ever been cold and unfriendly. She feared lest the prin- 
ciples of liberty, and the desire of independence should 
find their way into her contiguous American provinces. 

During the negotiations at Paris, which resulted in peace, 
she secretly exerted her influence to cjause the western 
boundaries of the new repubhc, from the great lakes to 
Florida, to be fixed two or three hundred miles east of the 
Missisippi. To the repeated offers, which were after- 
wards made, to form with her a commercial treaty, and to 
make arrangements respecting the mutual navigation of 
that river, she pertinaciously declined to accede. 

When the inhabitants beyond the Alleghany mountains 
had become numerous, she denied them access to the 
ocean by the medium of that river, the mouth of which 
was within her province of Louisiana. She intended, per- 
*haps, to show them the importance of that privilege by 
/ withholding it, and to allure them by the promise of re- 
'. storing it, to submit to her authority. The people of 
Kentucky, indignant at the deprivation, laid their com- 
plaints before congress. In bold and energetic language 
they asserted their rights, by the laws of God and of na- 
ture, to the free use' of that noble river, and demanded 
that, at any cost, the acknowledgment of that right should 
be obtained. 

At length Spain became involved in a war with France. 
Embarrassed at home, and intimidated by the unauthorizetl 
preparations which, under the auspices of Genet, were 
making in Kentucky to invade Louisiana, she intimated her 
readiness to conclude a satisfactory treaty, should an en- 
voy extraordinary be sent to Madrid for that purpose. 
Thomas Pinkney was accordingly appointed. In October, 



1795. Washington's administration. 250 

1795, a treaty was signed, securing to the citizens of the 
United States the free navigation of the Missisippi to the 
ocean, and the privilege of landing and depositing cargoes 
at New-Orleans. 

Thus were adjusted all controversies with two Europe- 
an powers, which, while they existed, retarded the pros- 
perity, and disturbed the tranquillity of the country ; and 
from which, at diiferent periods, even war was seriously 
apprehended. In 1795, a treaty was also concluded with 
the regency of Algiers, with which the republic was pre- 
viously at war. It stipulated' that the United States, in 
conformity with the practice of other nations, should, as 
the price of peace, pay an annual tribute to the sovereign 
of that country. 

Within the last two or three years, several changes took 
y)lace in the important ot^ces of the nation. On the first 
day of the year 1791, Mr. Jefferson resigned the office of 
secretary of state. He had performed the duties of that 
office with extraordinary ability, and to the entire satisfac- 
tion of the president. Having been minister to France at 
the commencement of the revolution there, he became 
acquainted with its prime movers, and, anticipating from 
their exertions the diifusion of the principles of liberty 
and the renovation of the government, was, in the earl} 
stages of its progress, its enthusiastic and undisguised de- 
fender. Of the republican party, he was considered the 
leader, enjoying their highest confidence and .warmest at-* 
tachment. He was succeeded by Edmund Randolph, oi 
Virginia. 

On the last day of January, 1795, Mr. Hamilton retired 
from the office of secretary of the treasury. He possess- 
ed distinguished talents, and had exerted those talents to 
establish order where all was confusion, and to raise from 
the lowest depression the credit of the country. His com- 
j)lete success greatly exalted his reputation, and to him 
the federalists felt a sincerity of attachment equalled only 
by that entertained for Washington. With him he had 
served in the revolutionary war, and had then acquired his 
confidence and aflfection, which be ever afterwards retain- 
ed. Being the advocate of an energetic government, and 
averse to intrusting much power with the people, he was 
peculiarly obnoxious to the republican party. He was 



260 Washington's administration. 1796. 

accused of partiality to England, and of misconduct in of- 
fice. After the closest scrutiny, his official character was 
acknowledged, by his enemies, to be without stain. He 
was succeeded by Oliver Wolcott, of Connecticut. 

At the close of the year 1794, general Knox resigned 
the office of secretary of war, and colonel Pickering, of 
Massachusetts, was appointed in his place. In August 
Mr. Randolph, having lost the confidence of the president, 
and having in consequence retired from the administration, 
Mr. Pickering was appointed his successor in the depart- 
ment of stat€, and James M'Henry, of Maryland, was made 
secretary of war. No republican being now at the head 
of any of the departments, many of the leaders of that 
party withdrew their support from the administration ; and 
licentious individuals, in their abusive attacks, dared to 
charge even the president with corruption. But the con- 
fidence of the people in his integrity and ptitriotism expe- 
rienced not the slightest abatement. 

The conduct of France towards the American republic, 
continued to be a source of increasing trouble and vexa- 
tion. Mr. Fauchet, the successor of Genet, bore, from 
those by whom he was deputed, the strongest assurances 
of friendship ; but encouraged and supported by a numer- 
ous party, ardently attached to his nation, he gradually as- 
sumed towards the administration the tone of remon- 
strance and reproach. He charged it with sentiments of 
hostility to the allies of the United States, with partialitv 
for their former foes, and urged the adoption of a course 
more favorable to the cause of liberty. 

The American government was in fact desirous of ful- 
filling all its duties to France, and of conciliating hci 
friendship. Mr. Morris, the minister to Paris, having 
incurred the displeasure of those in power, was recalled 
at their request, and his place supplied by Mr. Monroe of 
Virginia. This gentleman was a republican, and had em- 
braced with ardor the cause of the French republic. He 
was received in the most respectful manner by the con- 
vention, who decreed that the flags of the two republics, 
intwined together, should be suspended in the legislative 
hall, as a mark of their eternal union and friendship. 

Mr. Adet was appointed soon after, lo succeed M.r. 
Fauchet. He brought with him the colors of France, which 



1796. Washington's administratios", 261 

he was instructed, by the convention, to present to the 
congress of the United States. They were received by 
the president with extraordinary ceremonies, transmitted 
to congress, and afterwards deposited in the national 
archives. In the house of representatives, a resolution 
was unanimously adopted, expressing the lively sensations 
which were excited by this testimony of the existing sym- 
pathy of the two republics, and their hope, that the bril- 
liant and glorious victories of the French people, would 
lead to the perfect establishment of their liberty and hap- 
piness. 

But France required of the United States more than 
professions and hopes, and more than by treaty she was 
entitled to claim. She wished to make them a party iu 
the war she was waging with the despots of Europe. Fail- 
ing in this, and jealous of the more intimate relations con- 
tracted with her enemy, she adopted regulations highly 
injurious to American commerce, directing her cruisers to 
capture, in certain cases, the vessels of the United States, 
In consequence of these regulations, several hundreds, 
loaded with valuable cargoes, were, while prosecuting a 
lawful trade, taken»and the whole confiscated. 

Believing that the rights of the nation were not asserted 
and vindicated with sufficient spirit by Mr. Monroe, the 
president recalled him, and Charles C. Pinkney, of South- 
Carolina, was appointed in his stead. In the summer of 
1796, he left the United States, instructed to use every 
effort compatible with national honor, to restore the ami- 
cable relations which had once subsisted between the sis- 
ter republics. 

General Washington, having at the sacrifice of his own 
predilections, devoted a great portion of his life to his 
country ; having successfully conducted its armies through 
an arduous conflict for existence; and having since direct- 
ed its course through the most critical period of an expe- 
riment under a free constitution, determined to retire to 
the enjoyment of domestic happiness and rural quiet. In 
September, he announced this determination to his fellow 
citizens, and feeling for them all the solicitude of a fathei' 
for his children, he pubHshed at the same time a farewell 
address. 

From long experiencei he had acquired an intlmt^te ae- 



262 WASHINGTOI?'^ ADMINISTRATIOJf. 1796. 

quaintance with the clangers to which the liberties of the 
republic were exposed. These he deprecated, and warn- 
ed his countrymen to shun, with all the impressive ener- 
gy of conviction, and all the ardor of parental affection. 
He besought them, especially, to frown indignantly upon 
the first dawning of any attempt at a separation of the union ; 
to discard local attachments and sectional animosities j 
to guard against the excessive indulgence of the spirit of 
party, and against cherishing a hatred of particular nations^ 
and an affection for others. 

This address was read with sentiments of profound vene- 
ration in every part of the union. Some of the state legis-^ 
latures directed it to be inserted at large in their journals, 
and most of them passed resolutions expressing their re- 
spect for the author, their high sense of his exalted ser- 
vices, and the emotions with which they contemplated his 
retirement from ofhce. 

To fill the station from which the father of his country 
had resolved to retire, the two great political parties 
brought forward their chiefs. The federalists, desiring 
that the system of measures adopted by Washington should 
continue to be pursued, and dreadiig the influence of 
French sentiments and principles, made the most active 
efforts to elect John Adams. The republicans, believing 
their opponents less friendly than themselves to the max- 
ims of liberty, and too much devoted to the British nation 
and to British institutions, made equal exertions to elect 
Thomas Jefferson. 

The result was the choice of Mr. Adams to be presi- 
dent, and Mr. Jefferson to be vice-president. Released 
from public cares, Washington hastened to Mount Vernon. 
Having established his fame as the greatest hero and most 
distinguished statesman of the age, he there, devoting his 
time to the cultivation of an extensive farm, added to his 
titles of renown that of the most industrious and intelligent 
agriculturist of his countrv. 



CHAPTER XtV, 

MR, ADAMS'S, MR. JEFFERSON'S, ANB 
PART OF MR. MADISON'S ADMINISTRA 
TION.— DECLARATION OF WAR. 



Mr. Adams, soon after the commencement of his presr- 
Oential term, receiFed from Mr. Pinkney despatches of -a 
most disagreeable and alarming nature. The Directory, 
then exercising the executive authority in France, had re- 
fused to accredit him, declaring their determination not to 
receive another minister from the United States until they 
had fully complied with the demands which had been 
made. He was moreover ordered by a written mandate 
to quit the territories of the republic. 

Congress were immediately convened, and the de- 
spatcnes laid before them. Their proceedings indicated a 
love of peace, but also a firm determination to yield to no 
unjust demand. Laws were passed authorizing the presi- 
dent, whenever he should deem it necessary, to detach 
eighty thousand men from the militia of the United States, 
providing for an increase of the navy, and for augmenting 
the revenue of the nation. To di>'play to France, and to 
the world, his desire of peace, and to leave no means un- 
attempted to preserve it, the president resolved to insti- 
tute another and more solemn mission, general Pinkney, 
John Marshall, and Elbridge Gerr}', were accordingly ap- 
pointed envoys to the French republic, and were instruct- 
ed, as the first had before been, to seek a reconciliation 
as the representatives of a people dreading war much, bill 
the sacrifice of honor more. 

These also the directory i.efused to receive. They 
were, however, addressed by persons verbally instructed, 
by Talleyrand, the minister of foreign relations, to make 



£64 ADAMS's ADMINISTRATION- 1799. 

them proposals. In explicit terms, these unofficial agents 
demanded a large sum of money before any negotiation 
could be opened; To this insulting demand, a decided ne- 
gative was given. A compliance was nevertheless re- 
peatedly urged, until at length the envoys refused to hold 
with them any further communication. After remaining 
several months at Paris, pressing in vain to be received 
and heard, two, who were federalists, were ordered to leave 
France, but Mr. Gerry, who was a republican, was per- 
mitted to remain, and was invited singly to enter into dis- 
cussions relating to the commencement of a negotiation. 

When these events were known in the United States, 
they excited general indignation. The spirit of party ap- 
peared to be extinct. " Millions far defence, not a cent 
tor tribute," resounded from every quarter of the union. 
The treaty of alliance with France was declared by con- 
gress to be no longer in force. Authority was given for 
capturing armed French vessels. Provision was made for 
raising immediately a small regular army ; and, in case 
events should render it expedient, for augmenting it. A 
direct tax and additional internal duties were laid. 

To command the armies of the United States, president 
Adams, with the unan|mous advice of the Senate appointed 
George Washington. He consented, but with great re- 
luctance, to accept the office, declaring, however, that he 
cordially approved the measures of the government. 

No opportunity was presented of testing the courage and 
skill of the American troops. At sea, a desperate action 
was fought between the frigate Constellation, of 38 guns, 
commanded by commodore Truxton, and the French fri- 
gate L'Insurgente, of 40 guns. The latter, although of 
superior force, was captured. The same intrepid officers, 
in a subsequent action, compelled another French frigate 
qf 50 guns, to stri4fe her colors, but she afterwards escaped 
in the night. 

The United States, in arms at home and victorious on 
the ocean, commanded the respect of their enemy. The 
directory made overtures of peace. The president im- 
mediately appointed ministers, who, on their arrival at Pa- 
ris, found the executive authority in the possession of Bo- 
naparte as first consul. They were promptly accredited, 
and in September, 1800, a treaty was concluded satisfacto- 
ry to both countries. 



1799. ADAMS's ADMINISTRATION, ^65 

While this Degotiation was in progress, the whole Ame- 
rican people were overshadowed with gloom, by the sud- 
den death of the Father of his country. On the 14th of De- 
cember, 1799, after an illness of one day only, general 
Washington expired. Intelligence of this event, as it ra- 
pidly spread, produced spontaneous, deep, and unaffected 
grief, suspending every other thought, and absorbing every 
different feeling. 

Congress, then in session at Philadelphia, immediately 
adjourned. On assembling the next day, the house of re- 
presentatives resolved, *' that the speaker's chair should 
be shrouded in black, and the members wear black during 
the session ; and that a joint committee should be appoint- 
ed to devise the most suitable manner of paying honor to 
the memory of the MAN first in war, first in peace, and 
first in the hearts of his countrymen." 

The senate, on this melancholy occasion, addressed 
a letter of condolence to the president of the United States. 
"- This event," they observe, " so distressing to all our 
fellow citizens, must be particularly heavy to you, who 
have long been associated with him in deeds of patriotism. 
Permit us, sir, to mingle Our tears with yours. On this 
occasion it is manly to weep. To lose such a man, at such 
a crisis, is no common calamity to the world. Our country 
mourns a father. The Almighty Disposer of human events 
has taken from us our greatest benefactor and ornament. 
It becomes us to submit with reverence to HIM who maketh 
darkness his pavilion. 

*' With patriotic pride we review the life of our WASH- 
INGTON, and compare him with those of other countries 
who have been pre-eminent in fame. Ancient and modern 
names are diminished before him. Greatness and guilt have 
too often been allied ; but his fame is whiter than it isbril» 
liant. The destroyers of nations stood abashed at the ma- 
jesty of his virtues. It reproved the intemperance of their 
ambition, and darkened the splendor of victory. 

" Such was the man whom we deplore. Thanks to God, 
his glory is consummated. Washington yet lives on earth 
in his spotless example — his spirit is iri heaven. Let his 
countrymen consecrate the memory of the heroic general, 
the patriotic statesman, and the virtuous sage : let them 

23 



S66 Jefferson's administration?, 1801.. 

teach their children never to forget that the fruits of his 
labors and of his example are their inheritance J ^ 

Agreeably to the report of the commiltee, and the una- 
nimous resolves of congress, a funeral procession moved 
from the legislative hall to the German Lutheran Churchj 
where an oration was delivered by General Lee, a repre- 
sentative from Virginia. The procession was grand and 
solemn, the oration impressive and eloquent. Throughout 
the union similar marks of affliction were exhibited. A 
whole bereaved people appeared in mourning. In every 
part of the republic, funeral orations were delivered, and 
the best talents of the nation were devoted to an expression 
of the nation's grief. 

In pursuance of the law enacted in 1790, a place had been 
selected on the Potomac, a few miles above Mount Vernon, 
for the permanent seat of the national government. With- 
in a district ten miles square, which was called the District 
of Columbia, a city was laid out, to which the name of 
Washington was appropriately given. Public buildings 
having been erected, the officers of government removed 
to that place in 1800, and in November of that year, con- 
gress, for the first time, there commenced its session. 

At this period, a presidential election again recurred. 
From the time of the adoption of the constitution, the re- 
publican party had been gradually increasing in numbers. 
The two parties being now nearly equal, the prospect of 
success inspired both with uncommon ardor. The fede- 
ralists supported Mr. Adams and general Pinkney ; the re- 
publicans, Mr. Jefferson and colonel Burr. The two latter 
received a small majority of the electoral votes ; and as 
they received also an equal number, the selection of one 
of them to be president devolved upon the house of repre- 
sentatives. After thirt3^-five trials, during which the nation 
felt intense solicitude, Mr. Jefferson was chosen. Colonel 
Burr received the votes of the federalists, and lost, in con- 
sequence, the confidence of his former friends. By the 
provisions of the constitution he became, ef course, vice- 
president. 

The administration of the government was now transfer- 
red to the republican party. At the next session of con- 
gress, they repealed, after a long and eloquent debate, a 
Uiw altering the judicial system, which had been passed at 



1802. Jefferson's administration. 267 

?he close of Mr. Adams's administration. This repeal anni 
hilated the offices of sixteen judges, who had just been ap- 
pointed. At the same session, the internal duties were also 
abolished. 

A second census of the people, referring to 1800, was 
completed in 1801. They amounted to 5,319,762, having 
in ten years increased nearly one million four hundred 
thousand. In the same number of years the exports in- 
creased from nineteen to ninety-four millions, and the re- 
venue from 4,771,000 to 12,945,000 dollars! This rapid 
advance in the career of prosperity has no parallel in the 
history of nations, and is to be attributed principally to the 
institutions of the country, which, securing equal privileges 
to all, give to the enterprise and industry of all, free scope 
and full encouragement. 

In 1802, the state of Ohio was admitted into the union. 
It was formerly a portion of the Northwestern Territory, 
for the government of which, in 1787, an ordinance was 
passed, by the continental congress. With commendable 
foresight they provided that slavery, the source of weak- 
Bess, of poverty, and of crime, should never exist in that 
extensive and fertile region. This is doubtless one of the 
causes of the unparalleled rapidity of its population. In 
thirty years from its first settlement, the number of its in- 
habitants exceeded half amillion. The state of Tennessee, 
which was previously a part of North Carolina, and lies 
between that state and the river Missisippi, was admitted 
in 1796. 

The right of deposite at New-Orleans, conceded to the 
citizens of the United States by Spain, and necessary to the 
people of the western country, had, until this period, beeti 
freely enjoyed. In October, the chief officer of that city, 
prohibited the exercise of it in future. This violation of 
a solemn engagement produced, throughout the states of 
Ohio and Kentucky, indignant clamor and violent commo- 
tion. In congress, a proposition was made to take posses- 
s^ion, by force, of the whole province of Louisiana, and the 
injured people of the west were eager for permission to 
:^venge their wrongs, and to regain their rights, by the 
^word. 

A more pacific course was adopted. Knowing that the 
frnvin^^e had been ceded, although not transferred, to 



268 Jefferson's administration.. 1804r 

France, the president instituted a negotiation to acquire it 
by purchase. In April, 1803, a treaty was concluded, con- 
veying it to the United States for fifteen nnillions of dollars- 

The territory thus added to the national domain, was 
first discovered by the French, who, in 1699, began a set- 
tlement within its limits. It continued a colony of that na- 
tion until 1762, when it was ceded to Spain. In her pos- 
session it remained, slowly increasing in population, until 
October, 1800, when it was retroceded to France, and by 
her was afterwards, as has been related, transferred to the 
United States. The inhabitants, a mixture of French and 
Spaniards, were not numerous. Its boundaries have never 
been defined. They embrace, at a moderate estimation, a 
territory more extensive than some of the most powerful 
European kingdoms, and in many parts the soil is exceed- 
ingly fertile. Its acquisition was considered, by the United 
States, of the greatest importance, as it gave them the 
entire controll of a river, which is one of the noblest in the 
world. 

Since the year 1801, war had existed between the United 
States and Tripoli, one of the states of Barbary, situated 
on the coast of the Mediterranean. No memorable event 
occurred until 1803, when a large squadron, under the 
command of commodore Preble, was despatched into that 
sea. On arriving before Tripoli, captain Rainbridge, in 
the frigate Philadelphia, of 44 guns, was sent into the har- 
bor to reconnoitre. While in eager pursuit of a small ves- 
sel, he unfortunately advanced so far that the frigate 
grounded, and all attempts to remove her were in vain. 
The sea around her was immediately covered with Tri- 
politan gun-boats, and captain Bainbridge was compelled to 
surrender. The officers were considered as prisoners of 
war; but the crew, according to the custom of Barbary, 
were treated as slaves. 

At the capture of this frigate, the enemy rejoiced and 
exulted beyond measure. Lieutenant Stephen Decatur 
conceived the design of retaking or destroying her. Com- 
modore Preble, applauding the spirit of the youthful hero« 
granted him permission to make the attempt. In Febru 
ary, 1804, he sailed from Syracuse, in a small schooner, 
having on board but seventy-six men, entered undiscovered 
the harbor of Tripolij and advancing boldly took a statio^^ 



1805. Jefferson's administration. 269 

alongside the frigate. Perceiving the crew in consterna- 
tion, Decatur sprang on board, his men followed, and each, 
sword in hand, rushed upon the enemy. The decks were 
soon cleared, some being killed, and others driven into the 
sea» 

A heavy cannonade upon the frigate from the batteries 
on shore, and the corsairs near, was now commenced, and 
several vessels of war were seen approaching. She was 
set on fire and abandoned, none of the party being killed 
and but four wounded. Throughout all the piratical 
states this brilliant exploit exalted the reputation of the 
American arms. The president, in reward of his address 
and bravery, promoted lieutenant Decatur to the rank of 
post-captain in the navy. 

While the squadron remained before Tripoli, other 
deeds of heroism were performed, evincing a love of fame 
and a devotion to country unsurpassed in Grecian or Ro- 
man story. The events and operations of this war shed 
a lustre upon the American name, gave experience and 
character to the officers, and prepared them to acquire 
greater glory in a contest with a nobler foe. They were 
equalled however, by an enterprise on land, bold and. ro- 
mantic in its conception, and exhibiting, in its execution, 
uncommon address and decision of character. 

William Eaton, who had been a captain in the American 
army, was, at the commencement of this war, consul at 
Tunis. He there became acquainted with Hamet Cara- 
mauly, whom a younger brother had excluded from the 
throne of Tripoli. With him he concerted an expedition 
against the reigning sovereign, and repaired to the United 
States to obtain permission and the means to undertake it. 
Permission was granted, the co-operation of the squadron 
recommended, and such pecuniary assistance as could be 
spared was afforded. 

To raise an army in Egypt, and lead it to attack the 
usurper in his dominions, was the project which had been 
concerted. In the beginning of 1805, Eaton met Hamet 
at Alexandria, and was appointed general of his forces. 
On the 6th of March, at the head of a respectable body of 
mounted Arabs, and about seventy Christains, he set out 
for Tripoli. His route lay across a desert one thousand 
miles in extent. On his march, he encountered peril, fa- 

23* 



270 Jefferson's administration. 1805. 

tigue, and suffering, the description of which would resem» 
ble the exaggerations of romance. On the 26th of April, 
having been fifty days on the march, he arrived before 
Derne, a Tripolitan city on the Mediterranean, and found 
in the harbor a part of the American squadron, destined 
to assist him. He learnt also that the usurper, having re- 
ceived notice of his approach, had raised a considerable 
army and was then within a day's march of the city. 

No time was therefore to be lost. The neKt morning, 
he summoned the governor to surrender, who returned 
for answer, *' My head or yours." The city was as- 
saulted, and after a contest of two hours and a half, pos- 
session gained. The Christians suffered severely and the 
general was slightly wounded. Great exertions were im- 
mediately made to fortify the city. On the 8th of May, it 
was attacked by the Tripolitan army. Although ten times 
more numerous than Eaton's band, the assailants, after 
persisting four hours in the attempt, were compelled to 
retire. On the 10th of June another battle was fought, in 
which the enemy were defeated. The next day the Ame- 
rican frigate Constitution arrived in the harbor, which so 
terrified the Tripolitans that they fled precipitately to the 
desert. 

The frigate came however to arrest the operations of 
Eaton, in the midst of his brilliant and successful career. 
Alarmed at his progress, the reigning bashaw had offered 
terms of peace, which, being much more favorable than 
had before been offered, were accepted by Mr. Lear, the 
authorized agent of the government. Sixty thousand dol- 
lars were given as a ransom for the unfortunate American 
prisoners, and an engagement was made to withdraw all 
support from Hamet. The nation, proud of the exploits 
of Eaton, regretted this diplomatic interference, but the 
treaty was ratified by the president and senate ; and thus 
ended the war in the Mediterranean. 

Colonel Burr having lost the confidence of the republi- 
can party, became, in 1804, a candidate for the office of 
governor of New- York : the federalists generally gave him 
their votes, but Mr. Hamilton considering htm an unprin- 
cipled politician, openly opposed his election. The choice 
fell upon the rival candidate. A duel ensued between 
these distinguished individuals, the challenge proceeding 



1806. Jefferson's administration, §71 

from Burr. Hamilton was mortall}' wounded. This 
event produced a strong and lively sensation throughout 
the union. At the next presidential election which occur- 
red in the same year, Mr. Jefferson was elected president 
and George Clinton of Ne\Y-York, vice-president, the 
former receiving all but fourteen votes. 

Burr, notwithstanding his brilliant talents, now sunk, for 
a time, into merited obscurity. His future conduct show- 
ed, however, that^, while unobserved by his fellow citizens, 
he had not been idle. In the Autumn of 1806, his move- 
ments in the western country attracted the notice of gov- 
ernment. He had purchased and was building boats on 
the Ohio, and engaging men to descend that river. His 
declared purpose was to form a settlement on the banks of 
the Washita, in Louisiana ; but the character of the man, 
the nature of his preparations, and the incautious disclo- 
sures of his associates, led to the suspicion that his true 
object was either to gain possession of New-Orleans, and 
erect into a separate government the country watered by 
the Missisippi and its branches, or to invade, from the 
territories of the United States, the rich Spanish province 
of Mexico. 

From the first moment of suspicion, he was closelv 
watched by the agents of the government. At Natchez, 
while on his way to New-Orleans, he was cited to appear 
before the supreme court of the Missisippi Territory. But 
he had so enveloped his projects in secrecy, that sufficient 
evidence to convict him could not be produced, and he 
was discharged. Hearing, however, that several persons, 
suspected of being his accomplices, had been arrested at 
New-Orleans and elsewhere, he fled in disguise from Nat- 
chez, was apprehended on the Tombigbee, and conveyed 
a prisoner to Richmond. Two indictments were found 
against him, one charging him with treason against the 
United States, the other with preparing and commencing 
an expedition against the dominions of Spain. 

In August, 1807, he was tried, upon those indictments, 
before John Marshall, the chief justice of the United 
States. Full evidence of his guilt not being exhibited, he 
was acquitted by the jury. The people, however, be- 
lieved him guilty; and by their desertion and contempt, 
he was reduced to a condition of the most abject wretch- 



272 Jefferson's administration. 1807, 

edness. The ease with which his plans were defeated, 
demonstrated the strength of the government, and his fate 
will ever be an impressive warning to those who, in a free 
country, listen to the suggestions of criminal ambition. 

The wars produced by the French revolution continued 
to rage in Europe. The attempts, made by the neighbor- 
ing kings, to compel republican France to resume her mo- 
narchical institutions, had not only been resisted and defeat- 
ed by her indignant citizens, but they had followed home 
the repelled invaders of their country, and had subdued 
those who began the war, with the hope and purpose of 
subduing France. The nation had necessarily become a 
nation of soldiers, and one, more daring and fortunate than 
the others, had been placed at their head as chief of the re- 
public. By his extraordinary talents, and the vast means 
subjected to his single will, he acquired controll over most 
of the European kingdoms. 

England, however, unsubdued and undaunted, had be- 
come as pre-eminent on the water as France on the land. 
Her powerful navy expelled every hostile navy from the 
ocean, and rode triumphant in every sea. America pro- 
fitted from the destruction of the ships and commerce of 
other nations. Being neutral, her vessels carried from 
port to port the productions of France and her dependant 
kingdoms ; and also to the ports of those kingdoms the ma- 
nufactures of England. Few ships were found on the 
ocean except those of the United States and Great Britain, 

The latter, having always found it impossible to man her 
numerous fleets, by voluntary enlistments, had been ac- 
customed to resort to impressment, or seizing by force her 
subjects, and compelling them to serve, as sailors, on board 
her ships of war. Soon after the peace of 1783, she claim- 
ed a right to search for and seize them, even on board of 
neutral vessels while traversing the ocean. In the exer- 
cise of this pretended right, citizens of the United States, 
sometimes by mistakeandsometimes by design, were seized, 
dragged from their friends, transported to distant parts 
of the world, compelled to perform the degrading duty 
of British sailors, and to fight with nations at peace with 
their own. Against this outrage upon personal liberty and 
the rights of American citizens, Washington, Adams, and 
Jefferson, had remonstrated in vain. The abuse con= 



1.807. Jefferson's administration. 273 

tinued and every year added to its enormity, until a feeling 
of resentment was aroused worthy the best period of the 
Roman republic. 

But not in this mode only were the rights of the United 
States invaded and their interest sacrificed on the ocean. 
The carrying trade afforded a harvest too rich, and too 
tempting to British cupidity, to be long enjoyed unmolest- 
ed. American ships, carrying to Europe the produce of 
French colonies, were, in an early stage of the war, cap- 
tured by British cruisers, and condemned by their courts 
as lawful prizes. Several European ports under the con- 
troll of France, were declared, by British orders in council, 
dated in May, 18G6, to be in a state of blockade, although 
not invested with a British fleet, and American vessels, at- 
tempting to enter those ports, were also captured and con- 
demned. 

France and her allies suffered, as well as the United 
States, from these transgressions of the laws of nations^ 
Her vengeance fell, not so much upon the belligerant in- 
flicting the injury, as upon the neutral enduring without 
resenting and repelling it. By a decree, issued at Berlin 
in November, 1806, the French emperor declared the 
British Islands in a state of blockade, and of course au- 
thorized the capture of all neutral vessels attempting to 
trade with thoe© islands. From thp.se measures of both 
nations, the commerce of the United States severely suf- 
fered, and their merchants loudly demanded of the govern^ 
ment redress and protection. 

In June 1807, an event occurred, which for a time con- 
centrated upon one of the rival nations the whole weight 
of popular indignation. The frigate Chesapeak, while 
near the coasts of the United States, and unsuspicious of 
danger, was fired upon from the Leopnrd, a British ship of 
superior force, three of her men were killed and eighteen 
wounded. Being unprepared for action, she struck her 
colors, was then boarded by a detachment from the Leo- 
pard, her crew mustered and four of them forcibly carried 
off upon the pretence that they were British deserters. 
The truth, upon investigation, was ascertained to be, that 
three of them were citizens of the United States, had been 
impressed by the British and had afterwards escaped from 
their service. 



274 Jefferson's administration. 1S07. 

This insolent attack upon a national ship, — this wanton 
exercise of a claim derogatory to national honor, — aroused 
the spirit of the repubHc. The distinctions of party were 
forgotten, numerous meetings of the citizens were held, 
and all concurred in the expression of a determination to 
support the government of their country in its efforts to 
obtain, whether by negotiation or war, satisfaction for this 
insulting outrage. 

The president, by proclamation, prohibited all British 
ships of war from continuing in or entering the harbors of 
the United States. He sent instructions to the minister at 
London to demand satisfaction for the insult, and security 
against future aggression. He summoned congress to 
meet and decide what further measures should be adopted. 
The British government promptly disavowing the act of its 
officer, the hostile feelings which had been excited began 
to subside ; but delaying to render satisfaction, and refus- 
ing to adopt adequate measures to prevent a continuance 
of aggression, they were not extinguished nor appeased. 

Bonaparte having declared his purpose of enforcing with 
rigor the Berlin decree ; the British government having 
solemnly asserted the right of search and impressment, 
andj having intimated their intention to adopt measures in 
retaliation of the French decree, the president recom- 
mended to congress that the acomftn, fshipe, and merchan- 
dise of the United States should be detained in port to pre- 
serve them from the dangers which threatened them on 
the ocean. A law laying an indefinite embargo was in 
consequence enacted. A hope to coerce the belligerant 
powers to return to the observance of the laws of nations, 
by depriving them of the benefits derived from the trade 
of America, was doubtless a concurring motive for passing 
the law. 

A few days only had elapsed, when information was re- 
ceived, that Great Britain had prohibited neutrals, except 
upon the degrading condition of paying a tax or tribute to 
her, from trading with France or her allies, comprising 
nearly every maritime nation of Europe. This was fol- 
lowed, in a few weeks, by a decree issued by Bonaparte, 
at Milan, declaring that every neutral vessel, which should 
submit to be visited by a British ship, or to pay the tribute 
demanded^ should be confiscated, if afterwards found in his 



1809. Jefferson's ADMINISTRATION. 276 

ports, or taken by his cruisers. Thus, at the date of the 
embargo, were orders and decrees in existence rendering 
liable to capture almost every American vessel sailing on 
^he ocean. 

In the New-England states, the embargo, withholding the 
merchant from a career in which he had been highly pros- 
perous, and in which he imagined that he might still be 
favored of fortune, occasioned discontent and clamor. The 
federalists, more numerous there than in any other part of 
the union, pronounced it a measure unwise and oppressive. 
These representations and the real and severe distress 
which the people endured, produced a rapid change in 
their political opinions. In a short time, a majority be- 
came federalists, and opposed with zeal all the measures 
of the government. 

In the fall of 1808, a new election of chief-magistrate 
took place. Mr. Jefferson, believing that no person should 
hold that office more than eight years, and desirous of con- 
tirming the example of Washington, had previously an- 
nounced his intention to retire to private life. James 
Madison was elected president and George Clinton vice- 
president. 

In March, 1809, congress repealed the embargo, and 
substituted a law prohibiting all intercourse with France 
and Great Britain. Bonaparte, in retaliation, issued a de- 
cree, at Rambouillot, directing that all American vessels 
which were then in the ports of France, or might after- 
wards enter, should be seized and confiscated. 

In the nonintercourse law, a provision was inserted, that 
if either nation should revoke her hosstile edicts, and the 
president should announce that fact by proclamation, 
then the law should cease to be in force in regard to the 
nation so revoking. In April, Mr. Erskine, the British 
minister at Washington, engaged, on the part of his govern- 
ment, that the orders in council, so far as they affected the 
fJnited States, should be withdrawn on the lOth of June ; 
and the president immediately issued the proclamation pre- 
scribed in the law. 

This cfrrangement the British ministry refused to ratif}"", 
declaring that Mr. Erskine had no authority to make it. 
Recalling him, they appointed Mr. Jackson his successor. 
In a correspondence between this gentleman and the 



t76 Madison's administration. 1810. 

secretary of state, the former insinuated that the American 
government knew that Mr. Erskine was not authorized to 
make the arrangement, and knew of course that it would not 
be binding on Great Britain. This insinuation was distinct- 
ly denied by the secretary, but was subsequently repeated, 
in an offensive manner, by Mr. Jackson. He was imme- 
diately informed, that, on account of his indecorous con- 
duct, no other communications from him would be received. 
He was shortly afterwards recalled by his government. 

The nonintercourse law expired in May, 1810, when a 
proposition was made equally to both belligerants, that if 
either would revoke its hostile edicts, that law should be 
revived and enforced against the other. In August, Bo- 
naparte, by his minister of state, assured Mr. Armstrong, 
the American envoy to France, fliat the Berlin and Milan 
decrees were revoked, the revocation to take effect on 
the first day of November, ensuing. Confiding in this as- 
surance, the president, on the second day of November, 
issued his proclamation, declaring that all intercourse with 
Great Britain was prohibited, and that an unrestrained 
commerce with France was allowed. 

Gredl Britain having expressed a willingness to repeal 
her orders whenever France should repeal her decrees, 
she was now called upon, by the American envoy to fulfil 
her engagement. She o'>jected, that the French decrees 
could not be considered as^ repealed, a letter from the 
minister of state not being, for that purpose, a document of 
sufficient authority. In answer to this objection, proof 
was presented that the French admiralty courts consider- 
ei\ them repealed, and that no American vessel, although 
many had entered the ports of France, had been subjected 
to their provisions. Great Britain, however, still persist- 
ed to enforce her orders. 

For this purpose she had stationed ships of war before 
the principal harbors of the United States. All Ameri- 
can merchantmen, departing or returning, v.ere boarded, 
searched, and many of them sent to British ports as legal 
prizes. Impressments too, were frequent, and the British 
officers, entertaining exalted ideas of their naval strength, 
and holding in contempt the republican flag, exhibited, on 
all occasions, an ektreme insolence of behavior, which na- 
tions as well as individuals expose themselves to incur, by 
long and patient endurance of insult and aggression. 



1811. Madison's administration. 277 

In one instance, however, their insolence was deserved- 
ly punished. Commodore Rogers, sailing in the frigate 
President, met, in the evening, a vessel on the coast of 
Virginia. He hailed, but instead of receiving an answer, 
was hailed in turn, and a shot was fired which struck the 
mainmast of the President. The fire was instantly return- 
ed by the commodore, and continued for a few minutes, 
when finding his antagonist was of inferior force, and that 
her guns were almost silenced, he desisted. On hailing 
again, an answer was given, that the ship was the British 
sloop of war Little Belt, of 18 guns. Thirty-two of her 
men were killed and wounded, and the ship was much 
disabled. 

Mr. Foster, successor to Mr. Jackson, arrived at Wash- 
ington in the summer of 1811, and proposed terms of 
reparation for the attack on the Chesapeak. These were, 
a formal disavowal of the act, restoration to the frigate of 
the surviving sailors taken from it, a pecuniary provision 
for those who were wounded, and for the families of those 
who were killed. These terms were accepted by the 
president. 

But the British envoy could give no assurance that his 
government was disposed to make a satisfactory arrange- 
ment of the subject of impressment, or to repeal the orders 
in council. These orders, on the contrary, continued to 
be enforced with rigor ; and on the restoration of a free 
commerce with France, a large number of American ves- 
sels, laden with rich cargoes, and destined to her ports, 
fell into the power of British cruisers. Such was now the 
state of affairs, that the United States suffered the evils of 
war, while Great Britain enjoyed the advantages. Her 
cruisers, since 1803, had captured nine hundred American 
vessels. 

The patience of the nation was exhausted. President 
Madison, early in November, 1811, called congress to- 
gether, laid before them the state of foreign relations, and 
recommended that the republic should be placed in an 
attitude to maintain, by force, its wounded honour and es- 
sential interests. The representatives of the people, 
whose sentiments and feelings they expressed, determined 
to act in accordance with the views of the president. 

Laws were enacted providing for the increase of the re- 

24 



278 MADISON S ADMINISTRATION. 1S\^. 

gular army to 35,000 men ; for the augmentation of the 
naval establishmcDt ; empowering the president to accept 
of the services of volunteers, to make a detachment from 
the militia, and to borrow eleven millions of dollars. Jt 
was the expectation of many that Great Britain, witnessing 
these serious preparations, would recede from the stand 
she had taken. 

Events, however, occurred, while congress were in 
session, which considerably diminished this expectation. 
For several years, the Indian tribes residing near the re- 
mote lakes and the sources of the Missisippi, had display- 
ed symptoms of hostility, murdering a number of whites 
and robbing others of their property. In the fall of 181 1, 
general Harrison, with' a small force, was sent into their 
territories, instructed to negotiate if possible, but to fight 
if necessary. On the 6th of November, he arrived at Tip- 
pecanoe, their principal town, where he was met by Indian 
messengers, with whom an agreement was made, that hos- 
tilities should not take place before the next morning, and 
that then an amicable conference should be held. 

Just before daybreak, the savages, in violation of their 
engagement, made a sudden and furious attack upon the 
troops in their encampment. Nothing but the precaution 
of sleeping in order of battle, on {heir arms, saved them 
from total defeat. A dreadful slaughter was made ; but 
the savages were finally repulsed, dispersed, and their town 
laid waste. A strong belief was entertained, founded upon 
credible testimony, that they had been incited to hostility 
by British agents stationed among them. 

In February, 1812, John Henry, who had once resided 
in Canada, communicated to the president the fact, that in 
1809, he had been employed by the governor of that pro- 
vince upon a secret mission to Boston, the metropolis of 
the New-England states ; and that he was instructed to con- 
fer with the disaffected, upon the subject of a separation of 
those states from the union, and their forming a political 
connexion with Great Britain. He exhibited documents in 
snpport of his disclosures, which he was led to make, by 
the neglect of his employer to reward him for his services. 
It did not appear that he had succeeded in corrupting the 
fidelity of any individual ; but the attempt, in a time of 
peace, and in the midst of the most amicable professions^ 



312. MADISON'S ADMINISTRATION. 279 

not only preserved in full force, but increased the previous 
irritation. 

Congress continued to be employed until the 20th of 
May, in making preparations for war, still cherishing the 
hope that a change of policy in Europe would render un- 
necessary an appeal to arms. On that day, the Hornet ar- 
rived from London, bringing information that no prospect 
existed of a favorable change. On the first of June, the 
president sent a message to congress, recounting the 
wrongs received from Great Britain, and submitting the 
question whether the United States should continue to en- 
dure them or resort to war ? 

The message was considered with closed doors. On 
the 19th, an act was passed declaring war against Great- 
i^ritain ; and the next day a proclamation was issued 
announcing it to the world. Against this declaration the 
representatives belonging to the federal party presented 
a solemn protest, which was written with great ability, but 
showed that incessant opposition to the measures of the 
government had created in themselves such unfriendly 
feeiingSj as nothing but its manifest corruption could justify. 



CHAPTER XXVI. 
CAMPAIGN OF 1812 



The people of the United States remembered with pride 
the patriotism and bravery exhibited by their army in the 
revolutionary war. A long period of peace and prosperity 
had increased their confidence in their own strength ; and 
the belief was generally entertained, that victory over the 
same foe would now be so much the more certainly and 
easily gainedj as the nation was more rich and populous. 
They did not reflect, that peace had impaired the military 
energies of the republic, while their enemy, by constant 
exercise in arms, had acquired not only additional strength, 
but greater skill to use and apply it. 

From the veteran officers, who had acquired fame in the 
former conflict, a selection was made to fill the principal 
posts in the new army. Henry Dearborn, of Massachusetts, 
was appointed major-general and commander-in-chief. He 
was at the battle of Breed's hill. In the expedition against 
Qtiebec, he served as a captain under Arnold. He distin- 
guished himself on these and other occasions ; and at the 
close of the war bore the commission of colonel. He held, 
for a long time, the office of secretary of war, and dis- 
charged its duties with exemplary industry and skilL 
Thomas Pinkney, of South Carolina, was also appointed 
major-general. Among the brigadiers were Wilkinson, 
Hull, Hampton, and Bloomfield. 

At the time of the declaration of war, general Hull was 
also governor of the Michigan territory, of which Detroit 
is the capital. On the 12th of July, with two thousand 
regulars and volunteers, he crossed the river dividing the 
United States from Canada. On the same day, he address- 
ed a proclamation to the Cuaadians, tendering them the 
blessings of civil and religious liberty, and assuring them, 
in a lofty tone, *' that his force was sufficient to break down 

24* 



282 Madison's administration. t8I^» 

all opposition," and yet was but the vanguard of one much 
greater. It appeared to be his purpose to attack Maiden, 
and thence proceed to Montreal. 

Had the attack been instantly made, success would have 
been highly probable. A month was wasted in ruinous 
delay. Distrust and contempt expelled confidence and at- 
tachment from the breasts of the Canadians. The ardor 
of the troops began to cool. Maiden was reinforced ; and 
at this critical moment, information was received that 
Mackinaw, an American post above Detroit, had surren- 
dered to a large body of British and Indians, who were 
rushing down the river in numbers sufficient to overwhelm 
the American forces. Panic struck, general Hull hastened 
-back to Detroit. 

General Brock, the commander at Maiden, pursued him, 
with a force superior in number, but composed of militia 
and Indians. On the 14th of Angust, he erected batteries 
opposite Detroit. The next day, he began a cannonade 
upon the American fortifications which was returned with 
precision and effect. On the 16th, the enemy cross- 
ed the river, taking post about three miles above the city. 
Meeting with no resistance, and hearing that some of the 
American troops were absent, general Brock resolved to 
march directly forward and assault the fort. 

The troops, cool and undaunted, awaited in good order 
the approach of the enemy, anticipating an easy victory. 
To the astonishment of all, general Hull forbade the artil- 
lery to fire, and hung out a white flag in token of a wish to 
capitulate. A correspondence between the two generals 
was immediately opened, which ended in the surrender of 
the army and of the territory of Michigan. 

It is impossible to describe the indignation of the sol- 
diers and citizens, when they saw themselves delivered, 
by the authority of one man, into the power of an enemy 
whom they supposed they might easily have conquered. 
Many believed him either a traitor or coward. An event 
so disgraceful, occurring in a quarter where success was 
confidently anticipated, caused throughout the union the 
greatest mortification and amazement. Stung by disap- 
pointment, all united in censuring general Hull. His 
greatest, perhaps his only fault, was want of decision and 
energy. 

The people of Ohio and Kentucky were alarmed. Near- 



1812. Madison's administration. 283 

ly ten thousand citizens made a tender of their services, 
and a part of them, placed under the command of general 
William H. Harrison, marched toward the territory oi 
Michigan. But great and numerous were the difficulties 
encountered ; the volunteers were unwilling to submit to 
the wholesome restraints of discipline ; and winter arrived 
before any important undertaking could be accomplished. 
Several incursions were made into the country of the sa- 
vages, who, instigated by British agents, and by a celebrat- 
ed Indian prophet, and commanded by Tecumseh, a gal- 
lant warrior, had become almost universally hostile. 

For the purpose of invading Canada in another quarter, 
an army of regulars and militia was assembled on the north- 
ern frontier of New-York. It was far less numerous than 
the government had anticipated. So happy was the con- 
dition of even the poorest class of American citizens, that 
but few could be induced to enlist as soldiers. And in 
some of the states the plausible doctrine was maintained, 
that the officers of the general government have no power 
over the miiitia, until called into service and consigned to 
their authority, by the state executive, and that even then 
they cannot be compelled to march beyond the boundary 
of the republic. Several governors actually withheld their 
militia, when called for by the president, and thus dimin- 
ished the amount of one species of force upon which the 
government had relied. 

General Van Rensselaer, of the New-York militia, being 
the senior officer on that frontier, had the command of 
these troops, which were called the] army of the cen- 
tre. His head quarters were at Lewistown, on the river 
Niagara, and on the opposite side was Queenstown, a 
fortified British post. The militia displaying great ea- 
gerness to be led against the enemy, the general determin- 
ed to cross over to C^ueenstown. The first attempt was 
defeated by tempestuous weather. On the 13th of Octo- 
ber, a party, led by colonel Van Rensselaer, effected a 
landing, although'opposed by a British force stationed on 
the bank. The colonel being severely wounded, the 
troops under captains Ogilvie and Wood, advanced to storm 
the fort. They gained possession, but at the moment of 
success, general Brock arrived, from a neighboring post, 
with a reinforcement of six hundred men. These, al- 
though most numerous, were gallantly driven back by the 



284 Madison's ADMINISTRATION. 1812. 

American troops. In attempting to rally them, general 
Brock was killed. 

General Van Rensselaer, who had previously crossed 
over, now returned to hasten the embarcation of the rear 
division. To his astonishment, those who had lately 
shown such eagerness to meet the enemy, now utterly re- 
fused to pass beyond the national boundary. He entreated 
and remonstrated, but in vain. Meanwhile the enemy, 
having received another reinforcement, advanced to at- 
tack the Americans in the fort. A desperate and bloody 
conflict ensued, of which the militia were tame spectators. 
In the end, the British were completely victorious. Of 
one thousand men, who crossed into Canada, but few ef- 
fected their escape. 

Soon after. General Van Rensselaer retired from the 
service and was succeeded by general Alexander Smyth, 
of Virginia. In a turgid address to the " ftlen of New-York," 
he announced that, in a few days, he should plant the 
American standard in Canada, and invited them to share in 
the danger and glory of the enterprise. His force was in- 
creased, by those who obeyed his call, to 4500 men. The 
morning of the 28th of November was assigned as the time 
for crossing. So tardy were the movements of the troops, 
that until afternoon, the first division was not ready to 
leave the American shore. The enemy appeared in force 
on the opposite bank ; a council of officers decided that it 
was inexpedient, at that time, to cross; and the troops 
were ordered to debark. They were disappointed and 
dissatisfied ; but their clamor was appeased by the as- 
surance that another attempt would speedily be made. 

The next day, they received orders to be in readiness 
to embark oil the first of December. But their first dis- 
appointment had sensibly damped their ardor. At the ap- 
}>ointed hour, the boats were not ready to move ; and 
when ready, but 1500 men v/ere found willing to cross. 
A council of war decided unanimously against proceeding, 
and again the troops were ordered to debark. The plan 
of invading Canada was abandoned for the season. The 
blame of these failures was attributed, by the soldiers, to 
their commander ; and so highly were they exasperated, 
that, for several days, his life was in danger from their 
fury. 

The army of the north, which vyas under the immediate 



1812, Madison's administration. 285 

command of general Dearborn, was stationed at Green- 
bush, near Albany, and at Plattsburg, on lake Champlain- 
From the latter post^ a detachment marched a short dis- 
tance into Canada, surprised a small body of British and 
Indians, and destroyed a considerable quantity of public 
stores. Other movements were anxiously expected by 
the people ; but after the misfortunes at Detroit and Niaga- 
ra, the general deemed it inexpedient to engage in any 
important enterprise. 

Thus ended the campaign of 1812. Although, on many 
other occasions, extraordinary gallantry had been display- 
ed, yet nothing was accomplished, and the losses sustained 
were numerous and heavy. They who approved of the 
declaration of war felt disappointed, mortified, and deject- 
ed. They attributed most of the misfortunes of the coun- 
try to the conduct of the federalists, whom they accused 
of endeavoring to prevent enlistments into the army, and 
of maintaining the most pernicious doctrines in relation to 
the militia. The federalists, on the other hand, attributed 
these repeated failures fo the imbecility of the administra- 
tion, and to the unwise selection of military officers. They 
assumed a bolder tone of censure, and evinced a more de- 
termined spirit of opposition. 

But while, on land, defeat and disgrace attended the 
arms of the republic, on the ocean, where the injuries 
which led to the war had been inflicted, they gained a rich 
harvest of victory and glory. Upon the declaration of 
war, the American officers and seamen glowed with ardor 
to avenge the sufferings of their impressed fellow-citizens, 
and to vindicate the honor of the republican flag. Those 
ships of war, which were ready for sea, immediately sailed 
in search of the enemy. 

On the 19th of August, captain Hull, who commanded 
the Constitution of forty-four guns, descried a British fri- 
gate. His crew, giving three cheers, requested to be 
placed alongside of their antagonist. For three quarters 
of an hour, the latter endeavored, by skilful manoeuvring, 
to obtain the advantage of position. Defeated in this, she ad- 
vanced towards the Constitution, firing broadsides at inter- 
vals. When she had approached within half pistol shot, a tre- 
mendous cannonade burst upon her from the American 



286 Madison's administration. 1812. 

frigate. In thirty minutes, every mast and nearly every 
spar being shot away, she struck her flag. 

She was found to be the Guerriere of thirty-eight guns, 
commanded by captain Dacres. Of her crew, fifty were 
killed and sixty-four wounded. She had received so much 
injury that it was thought to be impossible to get her into 
port, and she was burned. The injury sustained by the 
Constitution was flight ; of her crew seven were killed 
and seven wounded. Although she carried a few more 
guns than her antagonist, yet the immense disparity of 
effect clearly demonstrated the superior skill of the Ame- 
i'ican seamen. Captain Hull, on his return to the United 
States, was welcomed with enthusiasm, by his grateful and 
admiring countrymen, who conferred upon him those ho- 
nors and distinctions most dear to the patriot and hero. 

But this was the first only of a series of naval victories. 
On the 18th of October, captain Jones, in the Wasp, of 
eighteen guns, captured the Frolic of twenty-two, after a 
bloody conflict of three quarters of an hour. In this action, 
the Americans obtained a victory over a force decidedly 
superior. On their part, but eight were killed and wound- 
ed ; on that of the enemy, about eighty! On the 25th the 
frigate United States, commanded by captain Decatur, en- 
countered and captured the British frigate Macedonian. 
The former carried a few guns the most, but the disparity 
of loss was astonishingly great. On the part of the enemy, 
a hundred and four were killed and wounded ; on that of 
the Americans, but eleven ! The Wasp was unfortunately 
captured, soon after her victory, by a British ship of the 
line ; the United States brought her prize safely to New- 
York. 

A fourth naval battle was fought, and a fourth victory 
gained, on the 29th of December. On that day, the Con- 
stitution of forty-four guns, then commanded by Captain 
Bainbridge, captured the British frigate Java of thirty- 
eight. The combat continued more than three hours. 
The Java was reduced to a wreck ; of her crew a hundred 
and sixty-one were killed and wounded ; of that of the 
Constitution thirty -four. 

These successive victories were peculiarly gratifying to 
the feelings of the nation ; they were gained in the midst 



1812. Madison's admfnistration, 287 

of disasters on land, and by that class of citizens whose 
rights had been violated : they were gained over a people 
claiming to be lords of the sea, whom long continued suc- 
cess had rendered haughty and insolent, and who had con- 
fidently b'oasted that the whole American navy would soon 
be swept from the ocean. 

Many British merchantmen were likewise captured by 
the American navy. Privateers likewise issued from al- 
most every port, and were remarkably successful. The 
number of prizes made during the first seven months of the 
war exceeded five hundred. 



CHAPTER XXVil. 
CAMPAIGN OF 1813. 



At the commencement of the session of congress, held 
in the autumn of 1812, the president, in his message, stated 
that immediately after the declaration of war, he commu- 
nicated to the British government the terms on which its 
progress might be arrested ; that these terms were, the 
repeal of the orders in council, the discharge of American 
seamen, and the abandonment of the practice of impress- 
ment ; and that the ministry had declined to accede to his 
offers. 

He also stated, that at an early period of the war, he had 
received official information of the repeal of the orders in 
council ; that two propositions for an armistice had been 
made to him, both of which he had rejected, as they could 
not have been accepted without conceding to Great Britain 
the right of impressment. 

The rejection of these propositions was approved by the 
national representatives, who, far from abandoning the 
ground they had taken, adopted more vigorous measures 
for the prosecution of the war. The bounty, and the wages 
of soldiers, were increased. The president was authorized 
to raise twenty additional regiments of infantry, to issue 
treasury notes, and to borrow money. Provision was also 
made for building four ships of the line, six frigates, and 
as many vessels of war on the great lakes as the pubhc 
service might require. 

So great was the desire of the citizens of the western 
country to regain possession of the territory of Michigan, 
that, in order to effect it, general Harrison resolved to un- 
dertake a winter campaign. General Winchester, with a 
])ortion of the western army, proceeded in advance to 
Frenchtown, a village on the river Raisin, not far frooi 

t 



S90 MADISOn'^S ADMXNISTRATIOjr. 1813^ 

Detroit. A British party stationed in the village was at- 
tacked, routed, and entirely dispersed. 

The Americans encamped near the field of battle, a part 
of them being protected by close garden pickets. Although 
near an enemy's post, but little precaution was taken to 
prevent a surprize. Early in the morning of the S2d of 
January, they were attacked by a large force of Briti«;h and 
Indians, the former commanded by colonel Procter, the 
latter by the chiefs Roundhead and Splitlog. The troops 
in the open field were thrown into disorder. General 
'Winchester, and other officers, made an ineffectual attempt 
to rally them. They fled, but while attempting to escape 
were mostly killed by the Indians. The general and co- 
lonel Lewis were made prisoners. 

The troops behind the pickets maintained the contest 
with undaunted bravery. At length colonel Procter as- 
sured general Winchester, that if the remainder of the 
Americans would immediately surrender, they should be 
protected from massacre ; but otherwise he would set fire 
to the village, and would not be responsible for the conduct 
of the savages. Intimidated by this threat, general Win- 
chester sent an order to the troops to surrender, which 
they obeyed. 

Colonel Procter, leaving the wounded without a guard, 
marched back immediately to Maiden. The Indians accom- 
panied them a few miles, but returned early the next morn- 
ing. Deeds of horror followed. The wounded officers 
were dragged, from the houses, killed and scalped in the 
streets. The buildings were set on fire. Some who at- 
tempted to escape were forced back into the flames. Others 
were put to death by the tomahawk, and left shockingly 
mangled in the highway. The infamy of this butchery 
should not fall upon the perpetrators alone. It must rest 
equally upon those who instigated them to hostility, by 
whose side they fought, who were able, and were bound 
by a solemn engagement to restrain them. 

The battle and massacre at Frenchtown clothed Ken- 
tucky and Ohio in mourning. Other volunteers, indignant 
at the treachery and cruelty of their foes, hastened to the 
aid of Harrison. He marched to the rapids of the Miami, 
where he erected a fort, which he called fort Meigs, in 
honor of the governor of Ohio. On the first of 3Iay , it was 

# 



l813o Madison's administration. 291 

invested by a large number of Indians, and by a p^gy of 
British troops from Maiden, the whole commanded 1^ co- 
lonel Procter. 

Five days afterwards, general Clay, at the head of 1200 
Kentnckians, made an attempt to raise the siege. Dividing 
his force into several parties, and making an impetuous 
onset, he drove the besiegers from their works. His 
troops, supposing the victory complete and disregarding 
the orders of their commander, dispersed into the woods. 
The enemy returning from their flight, obtained an easy 
victory. Of the Americans, two or three hundred escaped 
into the fort ; about three hundred were killed or made 
prisoners. The remainder fled to the nearest settlements- 
The enemy sustained considerable loss. 

The fort continued to be defended with bravery and 
skill. The Indians, unaccustomed to sieges, became weary 
and discontented. On the 8th of May, notwithstanding the 
entreaties of their chief, Tecumseh, they deserted their 
allies. On the 9th, the enemy despairing of success, made 
a precipitate retreat. General Harrison, leaving general 
Clay in command, returned to Ohio for reinforcements ; 
but in this quarter active operations were not resumed un- 
til a squadron had been built and prepared for action ob 
lake Erie. 

At Sackett's Harbor, on the northern frontier, a body of 
troops had been assembled under the command of general 
Dearborn, and great exertions were made by commodore 
Chauncey, to build and equip a squadron on lake Ontario, 
sufficiently powerful to contend with that of the enemy. By 
the 25th of April, the naval preparations were so far com- 
pleted that the general, and 1700 troops, were conveyed 
across the lake to the attack of York, the capital of Upper 
Canada. 

On the STth, an advanced party, led by brigadier-gene» 
ral Pike, who was born in a camp and bred a soldier from 
his birth, landed, although opposed at the water's edge by 
a superior force. After a short but severe conflict, the 
enemy were driven to their fortifications. The rest of the 
froops having landed, the whole party pressed forward, 
carried the tirst battery by assault, and were moving to- 
wards the main worksj when the enemy's magazine blew 



292 Madison's administration. 1813, 

up, with a tremendous explosion, hurling upon the ad- 
vanCT% troops immense quantities of stone and timber. 

Numbers were killed, the gallant Pike received a mortaS 
wound ; the troops halted for a moment, but recovering 
from the shock, again pressed forward and soon gained 
possession of the town. Of the British troops, one hun- 
dred were killed, nearly three hundred were wounded, 
and the same number made prisoners. Of the Americans,, 
three hundred and twenty were killed and wounded, and 
nearly all of them by the explosion of the magazine. The 
Hag which waved over the fort was carried to the dying 
Pike ; at his desire it was placed under his head, when, 
with the smile of triumph on his lips, he expired. 

The object of the expedition attained, the squadron and 
troops returned to Sackett's Harbor, whence the wounded 
and prisoners being landed, and other troops taken on 
board, it sailed to Fort George, situated at the head of the 
Lake. After a warm engagement, the enemy abandoned, 
and the Americans entered the fort. The fugitives retired 
to the heights, at the head of Burlington bay. On their 
retreat, they were joined by a detachment from fort Erie 
and Chippeway. Two brigades, under generals Chandler 
and Winder were despatched in pursuit. On the evening 
of the 5th of June, they encamped at Stoney Creek, in the 
vicinity of the enemy, who, considering their situation 
desperate, turned upon their pursuers and attacked them 
in the night. 

The Americans received them with coolness ; but such 
was the darkness, that general Chandler,intending to place 
himself at the head of his artillery, threw himself into the 
midst of a British party. A few minutes afterwards^ the 
same mistake was committed by general Winder. Satisfied 
with the capture of these officers, and a few other prison- 
ers, the enemy made a precipitate retreat. The American 
troops returned to fort George. This misfortune was soon 
followed by another. Lieutenant-colonel Boerstler having 
beea sent with 500 men. to disperse a body of the enemy 
collected at the Beaver Dams, was surrounded, and the 
whole detachment made prisoners. 

While the greater part of the American army was thus 
employed in Canada, the British made an attack upon tbc) 
important post of Sackett's Harbor. On the S7th of May » 



1813. Madison's ADMINISTRATION. 293 

their squadron appeared before the town. Alarm guns 
instantly assembled the citizens of the neighborhood. 
General Brown of the New-York militia commanded in 
chief, his whole force amounting to about one thousand 
men. By his orders a slight breast work was hastily 
thrown up, at the only place where the enemy could land. 
Behind this, he placed the milita, the regulars under col- 
onel Backus forming a second line. 

On the morning of the 29th, one thousand British troops 
landed from the squadron. They advanced toward the 
breastwork. 'The militia, seized with a sudden panic, fled 
in confusion. Colonel Mills, in a vain attempt to rally 
them,was mortally wounded. The regulars, after a spirited 
resistance, were compelled to retire towards the town, but 
in their retreat they took possession of the houses on the 
road. From these coverts they poured so destructive a 
fire upon the British column, that it halted and fell back. 
General Brown, by a stratagem, converted this slight check 
into a precipitate flight. Collecting the panic struck mili- 
tia, he directed their course along a road, which, while it 
led from the village, appeared to the British commander 
to lead to the place of landing. Perceiving them marching 
with great speed, he supposed that their object was to cut 
off his retreat, and re-embarked sb hastily as to leave be- 
hind most of his wounded. General Brown, in recom- 
pense for his services, was appointed a brigadier in the 
regular army. 

Meanwhile, upon the sea coast, a distressing and pre- 
datory war was carried on by large detachments from the 
powerful navy of Great Britain. One squadron, stationed 
in Dela^^'are bay, captured and burned every merchant ves- 
sel which came within its reach. The inhabitants of Lew- 
ision in the state of Delaware, having refused to sell pro- 
visions to the enemy, the village was bombarded and seve- 
ral attempts were made to land, but they were defeated by 
the militia. 

Early in the Spring another and more powerful squadron 
arrived in Chesapeake bay. It was commanded by admi- 
ral Cockburn, who, departing from the usual modes of 
honorable warfare, directed his efforts principally against 
unoffending citizens and peaceful villages. The farm- 
houses and gentlemen^s seats near the shore were plunder- 

25* 



294 Madison's administration. 1815^ 

ed, and the cnttle driven away or wantonly slaughtered^ 
Frenchtown, Havre de Grace, Fredricktown, and George- 
town were sacked and burned. Norfolk was saved from 
a similar fate by the determined bravery of a small force 
stationed on Craney Island in the harbor. A furious at- 
tack was made upon Hampton, which notwithstanding the 
gallant resistance of its small garrison, was captured, and 
the unfortunate inhabitants suffered all which a brutal and 
unrestrained soldiery could inflict. 

The ocean, in the mean time, had been the theatre of 
sanguinary conflicts, in which the victors gained untarnish- 
ed laurels. Captain Lawrence, in the sloop of war Hor- 
net, discovering, in the neutral port of San Salvador, a 
British sloop of war of superior force, challenged her com- 
mander to meet him at sea. The challenge being declin- 
ed. Captain Lawrence blockaded the port until forced by 
a ship of the line to retire. 

Soon after, on the 23d of February, the Hornet met the 
Britsh brig Peacock of about equal force. A fierce com- 
bat ensued. In less than fifteen minutes, the Peacock 
struck her colors, displaying, at the same time, a signal of 
distress. The victors hastened to the relief of the van- 
quished, and the same strength wh' b had been exerted to 
conquer was now exer\ed to save. Their efforts were 
but partially successful. She sunk before all her crew 
could be removed, carrying down nine British seamen and 
three brave and generous Americans. In the battle, the 
loss of the Hornet wis, but one killed and two wounded ; 
that of the Peacock was never ascertained. 

On his return to the United States, captain Lawrence 
was promoted to the command of the frigate Chesapeake, 
then in the harbor of Boston. For several weeks, the 
British frigate Shannon, of equal force but havmg a select- 
ed crew, had been cruising before the {»ort ; and captain 
Broke, her commander, had announced his wish to meet, 
in single combat, an American frigate. Inflamed by this^ 
challenge, captain Lawrence, although his crew was just 
enlisted, and his officers were strangers to him and to each 
other, set sail, on the first of June, in pursuit of the Shan- 
non. 

Towards evening of the same day, they met, and in- 
stantly engaged, with unexampled fury. In a very few 



i813» MADISON*S ADMINISTRANION 295 

minutes, and in quick succession, the sailing master of the 
Chesapeake was killed, captain Lawrence and three Lieu- 
tenants were severely wounded, her rigging was so cut to 
pieces that she fell on board the Shannon, her chest of 
arms blew up, captain Lawrence received a second and 
mortal wound and was carried below ; at this instant, the 
position of the ships being favorable, captain Broke, at the 
head of his marines, gallantly boarded the Chesapeake, 
when every officer who could take cjommand being killed 
or wounded, resistance ceased, and the American flag was 
struck by the enemy. 

That fortune favored the Shannon cannot be doubted. 
That the event would have been the same had fortune 
i'avored neither, is rendered probable by the astonishing 
effect of her tire. This unexpected defeat impelled the 
Americans to seek for circumstances consoling to their 
pride, and in the journals of the day, many such were stat- 
ed to have preceded and attended the action. But nothing 
could allay their grief at the fill of the youthful and intre- 
pid Lawrence. His previous victory and magnanimous 
conduct had rendered him the favorite of the nation, and 
he was lamented with sorrow, deep, sincere, and lasting. 
When carried below, he was asked if the colors should bo 
struck. " No," he replied, '' they shall wave while I live." 
When the fate of the ship was decided, his proud spirit 
was broken. He became delirious from excess of mental 
and bodily suffering. Whenever able to speak, he would 
exclaim, " Don't give up the ship!" an expression conse- 
crated by his countrymen ; and he uttered but few other 
words during the four days that he survived his defeat. 

This victory was not achieved without loss. Of the 
crew of the Shannon, twenty-four were killed and fifty-six 
wounded. Of that of the Chesapeake, forty eight were 
killed and nearly one hundred wounded. Great was the 
exultation of the enemy. Victories over the frigates of 
other nations were occurrences too common to excite 
emotion; but the capture of an American frigate was con- 
sidered a glorious epoch in the naval history of Great Bri- 
tain. The honors and rewards bestowed upon captain 
Broke were such as had never before been received but 
by the conqueror of a squadron. These demonstrations 
of triumph were inadvertent confessions of American su- 



296 M.4DI son's administration. 181.^- 

periority ; and were, to the vanquished themselves, sour- 
ces of triumph and consolation. 

The next encounter at sea was between the American 
brig Argus and the British brig Pelican. The latter was of 
superior force, and was victorious. Soon after, the Ame- 
rican brig Enterprise, commanded by lieutenant Burrows, 
captured the British brig Boxer, commanded by captain 
Blyth. These vessels were of equal force, but the great- 
er effect of the fire of the Enterprise furnished to the Ameri- 
cans another proofof the superior skill oftheir seamen. Both 
commanders were killed in the action, and were buried, 
each by the other's side, in Portland. 

The events of the war again call our attention to the 
northwestern frontier. While each nation was busily em- 
ployed in equipping a squadron on lake Erie, general Clay 
remained inactive at Fort Meigs. About the last of July, 
a large number of British and Indians appeared before the 
fort, hoping to entice the garrison to a general action in the 
field. After waiting a few days without succeeding, they 
decamped, and proceeded to fort Stephenson, on the river 
Sandusky. This fort was little more than a picketing sur- 
rounded by a ditch ; and the garrison consisted of but 160 
men, who were commanded by major Croghan, a youth of 
twenty one. On the first of August, it was invested by 500 
regulars and 800 Indians. 

After a cannonade, which continued two days, the enemy, 
in the evening, supposing a breach had been made, ad- 
vanced to assault the works. Anticipating this, major 
Croghan had planted a six pounder, the only piece of can- 
non in the fort, in a position to enfilade the ditch. It was 
loaded with grape shot and slugs, and was discharged the 
instant the assailants arrived before it. The 'British com- 
mander and many of his men were killed, and many others 
severely wounded. The remainder, in haste and disorder, 
retreated to their former position, and at dawn of day re- 
tired to Maiden. 

The youthful Croghan, for his valor and good conduct, 
was promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel. He and 
his brave companions received the thanks of congress ; 
and to evince their respect for his virtues, the ladies of 
Chillicothe presented to him an elegant sword. 

In the mean time, by the exertions of commodore Perry, 



1813. Madison's administration. 297 

an American squadron had been prepared for service on 
lake Erie. It consisted of nine small vessels, all carrying 
fifty-four guns. A British squadron had also been built and 
equipped, under the suprintendence of commodore Bar- 
clay. It consisted of six vessels mounting 63 guns. 

Commodore Perry, immediately sailing, offered battle 
to his adversary. On the tenth of September, the British 
commander, having the wind in his favor, left the harbor 
of Maiden, to accept the offer. In a few hours, the wind 
shifted, giving the Americans the advantage. Perry, 
forming the line of battle, hoisted his flag, on which were 
inscribed the words of the dying Lawrence, " Don't give 
up the ship." Loud huzzas from all the vessels proclaim- 
ed the animation with which this motto inspired their pa- 
triotic crews. 

About noon, the firing commenced ; but the wind being 
light, the Lawrence, the commodore's flag ship, was the 
only American vessel that could, at first, engage in close 
action. For two hours, she contended alone with two 
vessels, each nearly her equal in force. All but seven of 
her crew were either killed or wounded, and she, by the 
damage she had received, was rendered wholly unmanage- 
able. The wind springing up, captain Elliot was at length 
enabled to bring the Niagara into action. To this ship, 
commodore Perry, sailing in an open boat through the 
midst of the fire, transferred his flag. Again the combat 
raged with undiminished fury. In a short time, one of the 
British vessels surrendered, and soon after another ; and 
the rest of the American squadron now joining in the ac- 
tion, the victory was rendered decisive and complete. At 
four o'clock, the brave and fortunate commander despatch- 
ed to general Harrison, at fort Meigs, this laconic epistle : 
*' We have met the enemy, and they are ours." 

Great was the joy which this brilliant victory occasion- 
ed throughout the union. That it was achieved over a 
superior force ; that it was the first ever gained over 
a squadron ; that it was entirely decisive ; that it open- 
ed the way to the recovery of all that had been lost by the 
defeat of general Hullj—were circumstances which threw 
every other victory into the shade, and cast the brightest 
luster upon the characters of the heroes who had gained 
it. At every place that he visitedj the gallant Perry re- 



298 Madison's administration. 1813. 

ceired the most flattering proofs of a nation's gratitude and 
love. 

As soon as general Harrison, who had been joined by 
governor Shelby with a large body of Kentucky militia, 
received intelligence of this victory, he hastened to the 
lake, and was conveyed by the vessels to Maiden. The 
British commander, anticipating this movement, had 
abandoned that place, which, on the 28th of Septem- 
ber, was occupied, without opposition, by the American 
army. 

The enemy, passing Detroit in their retreat, ascended 
the river Thames, to the Moravian villages. They were 
pursued by general Harrison, and on the 5th of October, 
brought to action. His force being greatly superior, a 
complete victory was easily and speedily gained. Six 
hundred, nearly the whole of the party, were made pri- 
soners ; Tecumseh, the celebrated Indian chief was killed ; 
and all the posts that had been surrendered by general 
Hull were recovered from the enemy. 

Leaving general Cass in command at Detroit, general 
Harrison, with part of the regular force, again embarked, 
on board the vessels, and, on the 24th, arrived at Buffalo, 
m New- York, intending to join the American army on the 
Niagara frontier. But a sufficient number of general offi- 
cers having been assigned to that army, he received per- 
mission to return to his family. 

Previous to the events just related, general Dearborn, 
in consequence of severe indisposition, was withdrawn from 
active service, and general Wilkinson appointed to command 
the army of the centre, which comprised about 7000 
men. Having received orders, from the secretary of 
war, to descend the St. Lawrence and attack Montreal, he 
directed the scattered detachments to assemble at Grena- 
dier-Island, on lake Ontario. Such were the difficulties 
attending the concentration of the troops, and such perhaps 
the want of vigor in the commander, that the flotilla, upon 
which they embarked, did not get under way until the oth 
of November. 

Their progress was impeded by parties which the ene- 
my, at every convenient position, had stationed on the 
Canada shore. To disperse these, a body of troops, under 
the command of general Browns was landed, and directed 



1813. Madison's administjiation, 299 

to march in advance of the boats. At Chrystler's fields, od 
the 11th of November, a body of the enemy, of equal force, 
was encountered. In the battle which ensued, both fought 
with resolute bravery, and both claimed the victory. The 
loss of the Americans was greatest, but they drove the 
enemy from their position, and enabled the flotilla to pass 
unmolested. 

The next day it arrived at St. Regis. At this place, ge- 
neral Hampton, who commanded the troops at Platlsburg^ 
had been ordered to meet the main army, and no doubt had 
been entertained of his disposition and ability to comply 
with the order. But here general Wilkinson, to his sur- 
prise and mortification, was informed that the contemplated 
junction would not take place. The project of attacking 
Montreal was abandoned, and the army under Wilkin- 
son, marching to French Mills, there encamped for the 
winter. 

This abortive issue of the campaign occasioned mur- 
murs throughout the nation. The causes which led to it 
have never been fully developed. The severest censure 
fell upon general Armstrong, who was secretary of war, 
and upon general Hampton. The latter soon after resign- 
ed his commission in the army, and general Izard was se- 
lected to command the post at Plattsburg. 

In the progress of our narrative, some events have been 
passed over, v.^hich will now be related. In the early part 
of this year, the emperor of Russia offered his mediation 
to the two powers at war. On the part of the United States 
the offer was promptly accepted, and Messrs. Adams, Gal- 
latin, and Bayard were appointed commissioners to nego- 
tiate, at St. Petersburg, a peace under the proffered me- 
diation. 

On the 24th of May, congress was convened by procla- 
mation of the president. Laws were enacted imposing a 
direct tax of three millions of dollars ; authorizing the col- 
lection of various internal duties ; providing for a loan of 
seven and a half million of dollars ; and prohibiting the 
merchant vessels of the United States from sailing under 
British licenses. Near the close of the session, a commit- 
tee, appointed to inquire into the subject, made a long re- 
port upon the spirit and tn;niner in which the war had been 
conducted bj' lije enemy. Many proofs were presented 



300 Madison's administration. 1813. 

of shameful departures from the rules of warfare observed 
by civilized nations. 

In September, commodore Chauncey made two cruises 
upon lake Ontario, and repeatedly offered battle to the 
enemy's squadron, which was superior in force ; but sir 
James Yeo, the British commander, intimidated by the re- 
sult of the battle on lake Erie, retired before him. On 
one occasion, however, in a running fight, his ships sustain- 
ed considerable injury. 

In the same month, captain Rogers, who commanded the 
frigate President, returned from a long cruise, having cap- 
tured eleven merchantmen ; but he met no armed vessels, 
the capture of which could enhance his reputation. Cap- 
tain Porter, in the Essex, rode triumphant in the Pacific 
ocean, annoying the trade of the enemy and protecting that 
of the republic. 

The Indians at the southern extremity of the union had 
imbibed the same hostile spirit as those at the northwestern. 
They had been visited byjTecumseh, and by his eloquence, 
persuaded, that the great Spirit required them to unite and 
attempt the extirpation of the whites. In the fall of 1812, 
a cruel war was carried on, by the Creeks and Serainoles, 
against the frontier inhabitants of Georgia. General Jack- 
son, al the head of 2500 volunteers from Tennessee, march- 
ed into the country of the Indians. They, overawed by 
his presence, desisted for a time from hostility ; but, after 
his return, their animosity burst forth with increased and 
fatal violence. 

Dreading their cruelty, about three hundred men, wo- 
men, and children, sought safetyj^in fort Mimms, in the Ten- 
saw settlement. Although frequent warnings of an intend- 
ed attack had been given them, yet, at noon day, on the 
30th of August, they were surprised by a party of six hun- 
dred Indians, who with axes cut their way into the fort, 
and drove the people into the houses which it enclosed. 
To these they set fire. Many persons were burned, and 
many killed by the tomahawk. Only seventeen escaped 
to carry the horrid tidings to the neighboring stations. 

The whites resolved on vengeance. Again general Jack- 
son, at the head of 3300 militia of Tennessee, marched into 
the southern wilderness. A detachment under general 
Coffee, encountering, at Tallushatchie, a body of Indians, a 



)8I3. MADISON^S ADMINISTRATION. 301 

sanguinary conflict ensued. The latter fought with despe- 
ration, neither giving nor receiving quarter, until nearly 
every warrior had perished. 

At Talladega, another battle was fought, in which three 
hundred Indians perished. The rest of the party, exceed- 
ing seven hundred, fled. General Jackson's provisions 
being exhausted, he was unable to pursue them. While on 
his return to the settlements, to obtain a supply, his troops 
became refractory and even mutinous. Nearly all return- 
ed to their homes ; but to the small number that remained 
were soon added a reinforcement of one thousand mounted 
volunteers. 

At the head of this force, he marched to Emuckfaw, 
within a bend of the Tallapoosa, where a body of the ene- 
my were posted. To several skirmishes succeeded a ge- 
neral battle, in which the whites were victorious, but sus- 
tained considerable loss. P^or the relief of the wounded, 
Jackson returned to fort Strother, where the volunteers 
were discharo;ed. General White from East Tennessee, 
and general Floyd from Georgia, led separate expeditions 
against the Indians, and were victorious in every combat. 
So enraged were the savages, that but few would accept 
of quarter or seek safety in retreat. 

Yet still was the spirit of the Creeks unsubdued, and 
their faith in victory unshaken. With no little sagacity 
and skill, they selected and fortified another position on 
the Tallapoosa, called by themselves Tohopeka, and b\'' 
the whites. Horse shoe Bend. Here nearly a thousand 
warriors, animated with a tierce and determined resolu- 
tion, were collected. Three thousand men, commanded 
by general Jackson, marched to attack this post. To 
prevent escape, a detachment, under general Coffee, en- 
circled the Bend. The main body, keeping within it, 
advanced to the fortress. For a few minutes, the oppos- 
ing forces were engaged, muzzle to muzzle, at the port 
holes. Soon the troops, leaping over the walls, mingled 
with the savages. The combat was furious and sanguina- 
ry. The Indians, fleeing at length to the river, beheld 
the troops on the opposite bank. Returning, they fought 
with increased fury and desperation, and continued to 
resist until night. Six hundred warriors were killed ; 
four only yielded themselves prisoners; the remaining 

26 



302 Madison's adiMiristratio^, 18 IS. 

three hundred escaped. Of the whites, fifty-five were 
killed, and one hundred and forty-six wounded. 

It was expected that another stand would be made by 
the Indians, at a place call the Hickory-ground. General 
Jackson marched thither in April. The principal chiefs 
came out to meet him, and among them was Wetherfordj 
a half blood, distinguished equally for his talents and cru- 
elty. " I am in your power," said he, " do with me what 
you please. 1 have done the white people all the harm 
1 could. I have fought them, and fought them bravely. 
There was a time when I had a choice ; I have none now, 
even hope is ended. Once I could animate my warriors ; 
but I cannot animate the dead. They can no longer hear 
my voice ; their bones are at Tallushatchie, Talladega, 
Emuckfaw, and Tohopeka. While there was a chance 
of success, I never supplicated peace ; but my people 
are gone, and I know ask it for my nation and myself.'* 
Peace was concluded, and the brave general Jackson aiul 
his troops enjoyed an honorable but short repose. 



CHAPTER XXVIIL 
CAMPAIGN OF 1814. 

CONCLUSION OF THE WAR. 



!?r the winter of S8 13-14, the fifteenth congress held a 
isecond session. To increase the number, and add to the 
efficiency of the army, several laws were passed, by one 
<of which the enormous bounty of one hundred and twenty- 
four dollars was offered to recruits. The president was 
authorized to borrow twenty-five millions of dollars, and to 
issue treasury notes to the amount of five millions. 

Before the termination of the session, a communication 
was received from the British government, declining to 
treat under the mediation of Russia, and proposing a direct 
negotiation at London or Gottenburgh. The proposition 
was accepted by the American government, who chose 
Gottenburgh as the place of meeting, for which Ghent was 
afterwards substituted ; and Henry Clay and Jonathan Rus- 
sell, were joined with the commissioners already in Eu- 
rope. Mr. Clay, in consequence, relinquished the station 
of speaker of the house of representatives, and was suc- 
ceeded by Langdon Cheves, of South-Carolina. 

Early in the spring the American army marched from 
French-Mills, a part of the troops, under the command of 
general Wilkinson, proceeding to Plattsburgh, and the re- 
mainder, under general Brown, returning to Sackett's Har- 
bor. Near the last of March, general Wilkinson penetrat- 
ed into Canada, and attacked a body of the enemy, occupy- 
ing a large stone mill, on the river La Cole. He was re- 
pulsed with considerable loss. This defeat detracted from 
his already diminished reputation. He was removed from 
command, and general Izard appointed to succeed him. 

For three months, the armies of both nations continued 
f.mcilve. Afeanwhile informatiOQ was received of the stu- 



304 Madison's administration. 1814, 

pendous events which had recently occurred in Europe. 
The emperor of France having been arrested in his victo- 
rious career, and sustained defeat after defeat, was compell- 
ed to abdicate his throne, and retire to the island of Elba. 
Louis the eighteeth was proclaimed king ; and Great Bri- 
tain, at peace with all the world but the United States, was 
enabled to direct against them alone the immense force 
which had been employed to crush her rival. She de- 
layed not to use the advantages afforded by her good for- 
tune. From the ports of conquered France, ships of war 
and transports bearing veteran and victorious troops, sailed 
to the American continent, some destined to the Niagara 
frontier, and some to the Atlantic coast. 

These events could not be viewed with indifference by 
the American people. The friends of the administration 
anticipated a severer conflict, and prepared for greater sa- 
crifices and greater sufferings. Its opposers, where dif- 
ficulties thickened and danger pressed, were encouraged 
to make more vigorous efforts to wrest the reins of autho- 
rity from men who, they asserted, had shown themselves 
incompetent to hold them. These efforts, although warm- 
ly condemned by a great majority of the people, diminished 
in no slight degree, the strength of the republic. 

In the beginning of July, general Brown, who had been 
assiduously employed in disciplining his troops, crossed 
the Niagara with about 3000 nien, and took possession, 
without opposition, of fort Erie. In a strong position, at 
Chippewa, a few miles distant, was intrenched an equal 
number of British troops commanded by general Rial). — 
On the 4th, general Brown approached their works. The 
next day, the two armies met in the open field. The con- 
flict was obstinate and bloody. The Americans were vie- 
torious ; and the enemy, having sustained the loss of five 
hundred men, sought safety behind their intrenchments. 

This decisive victory, achieved after so many reverses, 
was hailed as an omen of future success. Soon after- 
wards, general Riall, abandoning his works, retired to the 
heights of Burlington. Here lieutenant-general Drummond, 
with a large reinforcement, joined him, and assuming the 
command, led back the army towards the American camp. 
On the 26th, was fought the battle of Bridgewater, which 
began before sunset and continued until midnight* 



I814» MADlSON^S ADMINISTRATION. 305 

This battle was fought near the cataract of Niagara, 
whose roar was silenced by the thunder of cannon and the 
din of arms, but was distinctly heard during the pauses of 
the fight. At intervals the moon shone brightly, but often 
her light was obscured. Against a superior force, the Ame« 
ricans, for several hours, contended with various success. 
During the first part of the engagement, they were sorely 
annoyed, into whatever part of the field they might drive 
the enemy or be driven, by the British artillery, sta- 
tioned on a commanding eminence. " Can you storm 
that battery ?" said general Ripley to colonel Miller. " I'll 
try, sir," was the laconic answer. At the word of command 
his men, with steady courage, ascended the hill, advanced 
to the muzzles ©f the cannon, killed with the bayonet seve- 
ral artillery-men, on the point of firing their pieces, and 
drove the remainder before them. 

Both parties were instantly reinforced, and the enemy 
made a daring effort to regain their cannon. They were 
repulsed, but quickly repeated the attempt. Nearly all 
the opposing forces gathered around this position, and to 
possess it was the sole object of both armies. Again the 
enemy were repulsed ; but again they renewed the efibrt. 
After a violent conflict, they were a third time driven from 
the hill. The firing then ceased ; the British troops were 
withdrawn ; and the Americans were left in quiet posses- 
sion of the field. 

Generals Brown and Scott having both been severely 
%vounded, the command devolved upon general Ripley. 
He remained a few hours upon the hill, collected the 
wounded, and then returned unmolested to the camp. The 
number of the killed and wounded proves the bravery of 
the combatants, and the severity of 1he conflict. On the 
American side it was 743 ; on the British, one hundred 
less ; and of the latter 117 more were missing than of the 
former. The British, therefore, besides losing their posi- 
tion, sustained the greater loss of men. 

General Ripley found his force so much weakened, that 
he deemed it prudent again to occupy fort Erie. On the 
4th of August, it was invested by general Drummond with 
5000 troops. In defending it, no less bravery and skill 
were requisite, and no less were displayed, than in contend- 
ing in the field. In the night between the 14th and 15th, 

26* 



306 Madison's administration. 1 

the besiegers made a daring assault upon the fort, which 
was repelled with conspicuous gallantry by the garrison, 
the former losing more than nine hundred men, the latter 
but eighty-four. 

The siege was still continued. On the 2d of September, 
general Brown, having recovered from his wounds, threw 
himself into the fort and took command of the garrison. 
For their fate, great anxiety was felt by the nation, which 
was, however, in some degree, removed by the march from 
Plattsburgh of 6000 men to their relief. On the 17th, a 
sortie was made by the besieged, general Porter of the 
New-York militia, and general Miller of the regular army, 
commanding divisions. The bravery of the troops equal- 
led that which they had displayed in the recent contests. 
After an hour of close fighting, they returned to the fort, 
having killed, wounded, and taken one thousand of the 
enemy. Their loss was severe, amounting to more than 
five hundred. 

On the 21st of September, the forty-ninth day of the 
siege, general Drummond withdrew his forces, relieving 
the garrison from their toil which had been incessant, and 
from their danger, which had been encountered without 
fear. Seldom have troops deserved higher praise of their 
country. On the 9th of October, general Izard arrived 
with the reinforcement from Plattsburgh, and being senior 
officer, took the command. On the 1 8th, he marched, with 
his whole force, in pursuit of the enemy, whom he found 
at Chippewa, strongly posted in a fortified camp. After 
making several unsuccessful attempts to entice them into 
the field, he evacuated Canada, and placed his troops m 
winter quarters at Buffalo, Blnckrock, and Batavia. 

The march of the troops from Plattsburgh having left 
that post almost defenceless, the enemy determined to at- 
tack it by land, and, at the same time, to attempt the de- 
struction of the American flotilla on lake Champlain. On the 
3d of September, sir George Prevost, the governor-gene- 
ral of Canada, with an army of 14,000 men, most of whom 
had served in the wars of Europe, entered the territories 
of the United States. As soon as his object was ascertain- 
ed, brigadier-general Macomb, the commander at Platts- 
burgh, called to his aid the militia of New-York and Ver- 
mont, who, with alacrity and without distinction of party, 
obeyed the call. 



1814. Madison's ADMINISTRATION. 307 

On the 6th the enemy arrived at Plattsburgh, which is 
situated near lake Champlain, on the northerly bank of the 
small river Saranac. On their approach, the American 
troops, who were posted on the opposite bank, tore up the 
planks of the bridges, with which they formed slight 
breastworks, and prepared to dispute the passage of the 
stream. Several attempts to cross it were made by the 
enemy, but they were uniformly defeated. From this time, 
until the 1 1th, the British army were employed in erect- 
ing batteries, while the American forces were every hour 
augmented by the arrival of volunteers and militia. 

Early in the morning of that day, the British squadron, 
commanded by commodore Downie, appeared ofi'the har- 
bor of Plattsburgh, where that of the United States, com- 
manded by commodore McDonough, lay at anchor prepar- 
ed for battle. The former carried ninety-tive guns, and 
was manned with upwards of 1000 men, the latter carried 
eighty-six guns, and was manned witli 820 men. 

At nine o'clock the battle commenced. Seldom has the 
ocean witnessed a more furious encounter than now took 
place on the bosom of this transparent and peaceful lake. 
At the same moment, the enemy on land began a heavy 
cannonade upon the American lines, and attempted, at 
different places, to cross the Saranac. At a ford above the 
village the strife was hot and deadly. As often as the 
enemy advanced into the water, they received a destruc- 
tive fire from the militia, and their dead bodies floated 
down the stream literally crimsoned with blood. 

At half past eleven, the shout of victory heard along the 
American lines, announced the result of the battle on the 
lake. A second British squadron had yielded to the prow- 
ess of American seamen. The cry animated to braver 
<leeds their brethern on the land.' Fainter became the ef- 
forts of the enemy. In the afternoon, they withdrew to 
their intrenchments. In the night, they began a precipi- 
tate retreat, and had fled eight miles before their depar- 
ture was known in the American camp. 

Upon the lake, the American loss was 110; the British 
194, besides prisoners. On land, the American loss was 
119; that of the British was estimated at 2300. In the 
latter number, however, were included more than five 
hundred British soldiers, who, preferring America to their 



308 Madison's administration. 1814. 

native country, deserted from the retreating army. With 
these splendid victories closed the campaign on the north- 
ern frontier. 

On the ocean, the republican flag maintained its high 
reputation. Victory was not always won ; but defeat never 
occurred attended with dishonor. The Essex, command- 
ed by captain Porter, after a bloody combat protracted 
longer than was necessary to vindicate his fame, struck to 
a British frigate and sloop of war whose united force was 
much superior. The American sloop Peacock captured 
the Epervier of equal force. The sloop Wasp, command- 
ed by captaia Blakely, captured the Reindeer, and after- 
wards, in the same cruise, sunk the Avon, each of superior 
force. She made several other prizes ; but never return- 
ed into port. Darkness rests upon her fate. She proba- 
bly foundered at sea. The republic, with deep and sin- 
cere grief, mourned the loss of her gallant crew. 

The people of the middle and southern states, anticipat- 
ing a great augmentation of the enemy's force, and uncer- 
tain where the blow would fall, made exertions to place 
every exposed position in a posture of defence. The citi- 
zens of New- York displayed extraordinary activity and 
zeal. Philadelphia and Baltimore were supposed to be in 
less danger, but additions were made to their fortifications. 
For the protection of Washington, a military district, em- 
bracing Maryland, Columbia, and a part of Virginia, was 
established, and the command of it given to general Winder, 
of Baltimore. One thousand regular troops were placed 
at his disposal, and he was authorized to call to his aid 
15,000 militia. 

In the beginning of August, the expected reinforcements, 
consisting of many vessels of war, and a large number of 
troops, arrived in the Chesapeake from Europe. Of this 
force, several frigates and bomb vessels were ordered to 
ascend the Potomac ; another division, under sir Peter 
Parker was directed to threaten Baltimore ; the main bo- 
dy ascended the Patuxent as far as Benedict, where, on the 
19th of August, five thousand men, commanded by general 
Ross, were landed. 

In the mean time, general Winder had called on the mi- 
litia to repair to his standard. They were exceedingly re- 
miss in obeying the call. On the 22d, not more than two 



1814. madisdn's administratiok-. 309 

thousand had assembled. At the head of these, and of one 
thousand regulars, he took a position not far from the ene- 
my, intending to prevent their progress into the country. 

A particular account of the subsequent events will not 
be attempted. General Ross, marching through a scatter- 
ed population, advanced towards Washington. The Ame- 
ricans retired before him. A stand was made near Bladens- 
burgh. The militia fled on tlie approach of danger ; but 
a body of seamen and marines, commanded by commodore 
Barney, not only maintained their ground, but compelled 
the enemy to give way. They rallied, however, immediate- 
ly ; outflanked the heroic band, put it to flight, and has- 
tened forward. 

The retreating forces were ordered to assemble on the 
heights near the capitol ; and there they were joined by a 
body of Virginia militia. But general Winder, considering 
his force too weak to oppose efiectual resistance, retreated 
to the heights of Georgetown. Washington, thus left de- 
fenceless, was deserted by most of the citizens. 

On the 24th, at eight o'clock in the evening, the ene- 
my entered the city, and at nine, the capitol, president's 
house, and many other buildings, were set on fire. Valua- 
ble libraries, works of taste, and elegant specimens of the 
fine arts, were consigned to destruction. On the evening of 
the next day, the enemy left the city, and returned unmolest- 
ed to Benedict ; where, on the 30th, they embarked on 
board the transports. Their loss, during the incursion, 
including deserters, and such as died from fatigue on the 
march, exceeded eight hundred. 

The capture of Washington reflected disgrace upon 
those by whom it ought to have been defended. The de- 
struction of the national edifices attached a still darker stig- 
ma to the character of the enemy. The whole, civilized 
world exclaimed against the act as a violation of the rules 
of modern warfare. The capitals of most of the Europaan 
kingdoms had lately been in the power of an enemy ; but 
in no instance had the conqueror been guilty of similar 
conduct. An indignant spirit pervaded the republic. The 
friends of the government were not only increased in num- 
ber, but felt an additional motive to exert all their facultiei^ 
io overcome the enemy of their country. 

The s(|uadron whichj at the same time, ascended the 



310 Madison's administration. 1814, 

Potomac, met with even less resistance than that which as- 
cended the Patuxent. As soon as it arrived at Alexandria, 
the citizens proposed a capitulation ; and the terms were 
speedily adjusted with the British commander. To pur- 
chase safety, they delivered up all their shipping ; all 
the merchandize in the city, and all the naval and ordnance 
stores public and private. With a fleet of prizes, loaded 
with a rich booty, the enemy returned immediately to the 
ocean. 

The success of the attack on Washington encouraged 
general Ross to undertake an expedition against Baltimore. 
On the I2th of September, he landed 5000 men on North 
Point, about fourteen miles from the city, to which he di- 
rected his march. Preparations for defence had already 
been made. The whole of the militia had been called 
into the field; the aged and the rich had voluntarily en- 
tered the ranks ; and assistance had been obtained from 
Pennsylvania and Virginia. 

General Smith, who commanded the American forces, 
detached general Strieker, with three thousand men, to 
retard the progress of the enemy. The advanced parties 
met about eight miles from the city. In the skirmish 
which ensued general Ross was killed. The invaders, 
however, under the command of colonel Brooke, continu- 
ed to advance, and soon met and attacked the detachment 
under Strieker. One of the militia regiments gave way. 
This communicated a panic to the others, and the general 
fell back to the heights, where, behind breastworks hasti- 
ly erected, the main body of the Americans awaited an at- 
tack. 

After landing the troops at North Point, the British 
fleet had sailed up the Petapsco and bombarded fort Mc 
Henry and fort Covington, which stand at the entrance 
into the harbor. The former was commanded by major 
Armistead, the latter by lieutenant Newcomb, of the navy. 
Both were gallantly defended, the fleet was repulsed, and 
the commander of the troops finding that the naval force 
could afford no farther assistance, retreated, on the 14th, 
to North Point, and the next day re-embarked. Soon after, 
the fleet left Chesapeake bay, and part proceeded south- 
ward to convey the troops to the theater of future opera- 
tions and of unprecedented slaughter. 



311 Madison's AD^iNisTRATiOiV. I8l4, 

Neither the briUiant victories in Canada, on the lakes 
and on the ocean, which exalted the character of the repub 
lie, and rendered it worthy to be loved, nor the disaster at 
Washington, which proved how necessary were the ser- 
vices of every citizen, could induce the opposition to give 
their support to the government of their country. The 
most zealous recommended that, not only the militia, but 
the revenue should be withheld. The general court of 
Massachusetts proposed that a convention of delegates from 
the New-England states should be assembled at Hartford^ 
to devise means- to obtain redress of their grievances. 

To this proposition Connecticut and Rhode Island ac- 
ceded. In December the convention met, consisting of 
delegates from those states, appointed by their legislatures ; 
of two from New-Hampshire, and one from Vermont, ap- 
pointed at county meetings. Their sittings were secret. 
Upon their adjournment, they published an address to the 
people, in which, in bold and forcible language, they enu- 
merated the measures of the national government, sup- 
posed to be particularly detrimental to the interests of 
New-England, and of the commercial class of the nation, 
and proposed such amendments to the constitution as 
would prevent, in future, the adoption of similar measures. 

In the fall, information was received that the American 
and British commissioners had met and held conferences 
at Ghent. Great Britain, rendered arrogant by her re- 
cent triumphs in Europe, by the capture of Washington, 
and by the boldness of disaffection in New-England, de- 
manded terms which extinguished the hope of a speedy re- 
conciliation. Congress shrunk not from the duty which 
the crisis imposed. Although the expenditures of the 
nation greatly exceeded the income ; although its finances 
were in disorder, and its credit was impaired, yet the 
national legislature, with undaunted firmness, entered upon 
the task of furnishing the means to prosecute the war with 
increased vigor. The taxes were augmented, and new loans 
were authorized. The duties of secretary of war, from 
which post general Armstrong was removed, were assigned 
to Mr. Monroe ; and those of secretary of the treasury to 
Mr. Dallas. 

The repose of general Jackson, and of the troops whom 
he commanded, was interrupted by the arrival at Pensa- 



312 MADISON^S ADItflNISTRATION. I8I4. 

cola, in August, of three British ships of war, bringing 
three hundred soldiers, and arms and ammunition to be 
distributed among the Indians of Florida. The troops 
were permitted, by the Spaniards, to take possession of the 
fort, and the commander issued a proclamation, indicating 
an intention of carrying on war against the adjacent parts 
of the republic. 

General Jackson, with characteristic promptness, took 
instant and efficient measures for calling to his aid the pa- 
triotic militia who had before been victorious under his 
banners. And having remonstrated in vain with the go- 
vernor of Pensacola, for affording shelter and protection 
to the enemies of the United States, he, near the end of 
October, at the head of a body of regulars and two thou- 
sand mounted volunteers, marched against that place. A 
flag, sent to demand redress, was fired on from the bat- 
teries. He immediately marched into the city. Stormed 
the fort, obtained entire possession, and compelled the 
British to evacuate Florida. 

Returning to his head-quarters at Mobile, he there re- 
ceived intelligence that a powerful expedition was on the 
way to attack Nevv-Orleans. Without delay, he repaired, 
with his troops, to th:it city. He found it in a state of con- 
fusion and alarm. The militia, composed of men of all 
nations, was imperfectly organized. Many, feeling no 
attachment to the republic, had refused to enter the 
ranks. No fortifications existed on the various routes by 
which the place could be approached ; and fears were en- 
tertained that the reinforcements of militia, which were 
expected from Kentucky and Tennessee, could not arrire 
in time to take part in the contest. 

Undismayed by the difficulties which surrounded him, 
general Jackson adopted the most decided and efficient 
means for the safety of this rich and important city. He 
visited in person every exposed point, and designated the 
positions to be fortified. He mingled with the citizens and 
infused into the greater part his own spirit and energy. 
By his presence and exhortations, they were animated to 
exertions of which before they were not supposed to be 
capable. All who could wield a spade, or carry a musket, 
were put to work upon the fortifications, or trained in the 
art of defending them. 



1814. Madison's administration. SlS 

The Missisippi, upon the east bank of which New-Or- 
leans stands, flows to the ocean in several channels. 
One, leaving the main stream above the city, runs east of 
£t and forms, in its course, lake Ponchartrain and lake 
Borgne. Early in December, the enemy entered this 
channel. Their whole force amounted to about 8000 
men, a part of whom had just left the shores of the 
Chesapeake, and the remainder had arrived directly from 
England. A small squadron of gunboats under lieutenant 
Jones, was despatched to oppose their passage into the 
lake. These were met by a superior force, and after a 
spirited conflict, in which the killed and wounded of the 
enemy exceeded the whole number of the Americans, 
they were compelled to surrender. 

This disaster required the adoption, in the city, of more 
vigorous measures. Disaffection growing bolder, martial 
law was proclaimed ; the authority of the civil magistrate 
was suspended ; and arbitrary power was assumed and ex- 
ercised by the commander-in-chief. May no emergency 
hereafter occur in which a military officer shall consider 
himself authorized to cite as a precedent this violation of 
the constitution. 

On the 21st of December, four thousand militia arrived 
from Tennessee. On the 22d, the enemy, having previously 
landed, took a position near the main channel of the river, 
about eight miles below the city. In the evening of the 
23d, general Jackson made a sudden and furious attack 
upon tlieir camp. They were thrown into disorder; but 
ihey soon rallied and fought with bravery equal to that of 
<he assailants. Satisfied with the advantage first gained, 
!ie withdrew his troops, fortified a strong position four 
miles below New-Orleans, and supported it by batteries 
erected on the west bank of the river. 

On the 28th of December, and first of January, vigor- 
ous, but unsuccessful attacks were nfadeupon these fortifi= 
catior.s by the enemy. In the mean time, both armies 
had received reinforcements ; and general Packenham, 
the British commander, resolved to exert all his strength 
in a combined attack upon the American positions on both 
sides of the river. With almost incredible industry, he 
caused a canal, leading from a creek emptying into lake 
Borgne to the main channel of the Missisippi, to be dug, 

27 



314 MADISON^S ADMINISTRATIO?f. iSH.- 

ihat he might remove a part of his boats and artillery i& 
the latter. All things being prepared, the 8th of January 
was assigned for the assault. 

In the night, a regiment was transported across the riverj 
to storm the works on the western bank, and turn the 
guns on the American troops on the eastern. Early in the 
morning, the main body of the enemy, consisting of seveo 
or eight thousand men, marched from their camp to the 
assault. While approaching, fearless and undaunted, 
showers of grape-shot thinned their ranks. When they 
came within musket shot a vivid stream of fire burst from 
the American lines. General Jackson having placed his 
troops in two ranks, those in the rear loaded for those in 
front, enabling them to fire with scarcely a moment's in- 
termission. The militia of the west, trained from infoncy 
to the use of the rifle, seldom took unsteady or uncertain 
aim. The plain was soon covered with dead and wound- 
ed» Some British regiments faltered and fell back ; but 
others advanced and presented new victims. While brave- 
ly leading to the walls the regiment which bore the lad- 
ders, general Packenham was killed. In attempting to 
restore order and to rally the fugitives, general Gibbs, the 
second in command, was wounded mortally, and general 
Keene severely. Without officers to direct them, the 
troops first halted, then fell back, and soon fled in disorder 
to their camp. In little more than an hour, two thousand 
of the enemy were laid prostrate upon the field ; while of 
the Americans but seven were killed and six wounded- — a 
disproportion of loss without a parallel in the annals of war- 
fare. 

The events of the day on the west side of the river 
present a striking instance of the uncertainty of warlike 
operations. There the Americans were thrice the num- 
ber of the assailants, and were protected by intrench- 
ments ; but they ingloriously fled. They were cicseiy 
pursued, until the British party, receiving intelligence of 
the defeat of the main army, withdrew from pursuit and 
recrossed the river. They then returned and resumed 
possession of their intrenchments. 

General Lambert, upon whom the command of the 
British army had devolved, having lost all hope of success^ 
prepared to return to his shipping. In his retreat he was 



1814. SIADISON^S ADMINISTRATION, 3S5 

iiot molested : general Jackson wisely resolving to hazard 
nothing that he had gained, in attempting to gain still 
more. 

In the midst of the rejoicings for this signal victory, a 
special messenger arrived from Europe, with a treaty of 
peace, which, in December, had been concluded at Ghent 
The British government had receded from all their de- 
mands; and as the orders in council had been repealed, 
and all motive for the impressment of seamen had ceased 
with the war in Europe, no stipulation, in relation to these 
subjects, was inserted in the treaty, which provided mere- 
ly for the restoration of peace and the revision of boun- 
daries. The treaty was immediately ratified by the pre- 
sident and senate. 

The war, however, did not cease on the ocean, until 
two additional victories had imparted a brighter luster to 
the republican flag. In February, the Constitution, then 
cruising under the command of captain Stewart, captured 
the Cyane and Levant, whose forces united were supe- 
rior to hers ; and in March, the sloop Hornet captured 
the brig Penguin^ stronger in guns and men than the vie- 



APPENDIX. 



The English colonies of North America were settled 
ynder the most favorable auspices. The mind of man 
had just burst from thraldom, and begun to delight iu 
the free and vigorous exercise of its powers. Religion 
and government had become themes of animated discus- 
sion. The people had boldly questioned the divine right 
of their rulers to control! their actions, and of their priests 
to prescribe to them articles of faith. They had assumed 
a higher rank and bolder attitude ; and, conscious of their 
own power, had begun to feel less dependence upon 
others. 

From that country, where the advancement of know^ 
ledge had been greatest, came those vv^ho peopled this 
western wilderness. They belonged principally to a 
class^ so high as to have participated largely in the ad- 
vantages which knowledge imparts, and yet not so high as 
to be above the power of the oppressor. The persecu- 
tions they had endured rendered the principles of civil 
and religious liberty more dear to their hearts ; and led 
to inquiries and reflections, which fixed a conviction of 
their truth more firmly in their understandings. 

No occasion could be more fortunate, no men could be 
better fitted, to lay the foundation of a superstructure en- 
tirely new. Their knowledge enabled them to discern 
the good and the evil of the political institutions, which 
had existed in the world ; and their feelings, chastened by 
their sufferings, or elevated by their favorable view of 
human nature, led them to reject those provisions, which 
sacrificed the happiness of many to the splendor of a few ; 
and to adopt such only as gave equal rights ^nd privileges 
to all. 

27* 



318 APPENDIX, 

In every nation of Europe, ecclesiastical establishments 
existed, almost co-ordinate with the civil authority. The 
oflficers of these establishments were numerous, and theii 
privileges extensive. For their support, in early times, 
a tenth part of the income of the laity was appropriated. 
Possessing wealth, and rank, and learning, their influence 
was great, and was constantly exerted to acquire and pre- 
serve dominion over the minds and consciences of men. 
Their success was equal to the means which they employ- 
ed. They continued to add to their wealth and power, 
until, corrupted by luxury and idleness, they forgot their 
duties to God and to man ; and encumbered society with a 
useless and oppressive weight. 

No part of these establishments have been transferred 
to America. The first settlers of most of the colonies 
were too proud of their attainments, in spiritual know» 
ledge, to submit to dictation in matters of faith ; and too 
independent in feeling to acknowledge a superior on earth. 
Here man resumed his natural and dignified station ; and 
the ministers of the gospel, maintaining an apostolical sim- 
plicity of character and manners, have seldom sought to 
obtain, and possess not the means of obtaining, any greater 
influence than that which superior virtue and piety con- 
fer. 

The doctrine of hereditary right prevailed also through- 
out Europe. By the fundamental regulations of nearly 
every kingdom, the monarch and nobles transmitted to 
their eldest sons, even though destitute of talents and vir- 
tue, their authority, privileges, and rank. The people 
often saw on the throne men, who were guilty of the most 
atrocious wickedness, and whose conduct involved com- 
munities and nations in misery ; but no attempt could be 
made to remove or punish them without incurring the 
penalty of rebellion. They saw also, in other exalted 
stations, men equally wicked and equally beyond their 
Gontroll. 

The law of primogeniture existed as a part of the here- 
ditary system. The eldest son inherited, not the title 
only, but also all the lands of the father. By this unjust 
and unnatural law, the younger sons and the daughters 
were doomed to comparative poverty. One portion of 
the people was made rich and another poor. Few were 



APPENDIX. 319 

placed in that happy medium between wealth and povertj% 
which is most favorable to virtue, to happiness, and to the 
improvement of the human faculties. 

The principle, that power could be inherited, was at 
once rejected by the first emigrants to America. They 
had witnessed, in Europe, the pernicious operation of 
this principle ; they were convinced of its absurdity ; and 
even had not such been the case, that equality of rank and 
condition, which existed among them, would have prevent- 
ed any one from claiming such a privilege for his family, 
and all others from submitting to it. 

The law of primogeniture fell of course into disuse, or 
was abolished. That equality of rights and of rank, which 
prevailed at first, has continued to prevail ; and though, 
in some of the colonies, the extravagant grants of land, 
which were made by capricious governors to their favor- 
ites, introduced great inequality of fortune, yet the saluta- 
ry operations of various laws is continually diminishing 
this inequality, dividing and distributing among many that 
wealth, which, in the hands of a few, is less beneficial to 
the public, and productive of less individual enjoyment. 

The systems of government established in the colonies 
were also departures from European precedents, and were 
in perfect harmony with their social institutions. Most of 
the provisions of the early charters were doubtless sug- 
gested by the first emigrants, and of course accorded with 
their liberal political principles. The kings, who granted 
them, conceded many privileges to encourage the settle- 
ment of colonies in America, entertaining no suspicion that 
their successors would ever have occasion to regret their 
concessions. These charters made but little distinction in 
the rights and privileges of the colonists. Every man 
could regard those around him as his equals. The state 
of individual dependence being hardly known, all sense 
of dependence on the mother country was gradually lost ; 
and the transition from a colonial to an independent condi- 
tion was natural and unavoidable. 

In nothing is the contrast between the two systems of 
government greater than in the requisitions, which they 
make of the people for their support and defence. That 
of Great Britain may be taken as a favorable example of 
ihe European governments. The people of that kingdom 



320 APPENDIX. 

pay annually, for the support of their sovereign and his 
relatives, nearly two and half millions of dollars, while the 
compensation of the president of the United States is but 
twenty-five thousand. In the salaries of the subordinate 
officers of government, the disproportion is not so great, 
but is generally, nevertheless, as four or five to one. 

The military peace establishment of Great Britain costs 
annually thirty-four millions of dollars ; that of the United 
States but little more than five millions. The naval esta- 
blishment of the former costs twenty-two millions ; that of 
the latter less than two and a half millions. British sub- 
jects pay in taxes, raised exclusively for national purposes, 
at the rate of fifteen dollars yearly for each individual ; the 
citizens of the United States pay, in national and state 
taxes, at the rate of but two dollars. And as the whole 
population of Great Britain and Ireland is included in the 
estimate, the individual wealth of the subjects of the united 
kingdom, and of the citizens of the American republic, 
may, on an average, be considered nearly equal. 

With burdens thus light, not embarrassed by too much 
regulation, nor restricted by monopolies, but left at liberty 
to pursue their own interests, as individual judgment may 
dictate, the citizens of the republic have boldly embarked 
in all the ordinary pursuits of man ; and in all have met 
with a degree of success, which exhibits a favorable and 
forcible commentary upon their free institutions, and 
proves that no other people surpass them in activity or 
enterprise. 

In the pursuits of agriculture, by far the greatest por- 
tion of the inhabitants are engaged ; and for that employ- 
ment the country is most favorably situated. It embraces 
every desirable variety of climate. The soil is generally 
good ; in many parts of the union, it is exceedingly fer- 
tile ; and it produces, or m<»y be made to produce, al- 
most every vegetable, which can be made the food of man, 
or as the material of manufactures. The northern states 
produce Indian corn, rye, wheat, flax, hemp, oats, pota- 
toes ; and their pastures feed and fatten large numbers of 
cattle and sheep. The middle and western states pro- 
duce tobacco, and the same articles as the northern, but 
wheat in much greater abundance. In the southern states, 



APPENDIX. 321 

cotton is principally cultivated , but considerable quantities 
of rice and sugar are produced. 

In 1820, the number of persons engaged in agriculture 
was 2,070,646. The value of all its products exported 
during *he year ending the 30th of September, 1823, was 
g37, 646,000. The principal articles were, cotton to the 
value of g20,445,000 ; tobacco to the value of §4,852,000 ; 
and rice to the value of g 1,82 1,000. The value of pro- 
visions of all kinds exported was g 13,460,000, and it 
has, in many years, been at a greater average. A people 
able to spare such an amount of the necessaries of life 
can never be in danger of suflfering from want. 

The agricultural class is conspicuous for industry, mo- 
rality, and general intelligence ; but has less professional 
knowledge than the same class in Europe. Land having 
hitherto been cheap, and not exhausted by cultivation, 
agriculturists have not been eager, and it has not been 
necessary, to make practical application of the discove- 
ries of science. A change in these respects having taken 
place, especially in the Atlantic states, many now study 
their profession as a science ; and, as all professions are 
estimated according to the skill and intelligence required 
to attain eminence in them, they are raising their own 
nearer to that rank in society, to which the utility and 
importance of agriculture entitle it. More taste and 
neatness are display®''? and th© appparanr.** of the coun- 
try is visibly and rapidly improving. 

The COMMERCE of the United States has yielded a rich 
harvest of wealth. Various circumstances hare directed 
the attention of a large portion of the population to this 
pursuit, and have contributed to give them success in it. 
For two thousand miles, the republic bounds upon the 
sea, and in that space has many excellent harbors. The 
finest timber for ship building is abundant, and easily pro- 
cured. Near the shores of the northern states, and on 
the adjacent banks of Newfoundland, are fishing stations, 
unsurpassed by any in the world. Fishing is consequent- 
ly a lucrative employment, in proportion to the capital 
invested, and attracts to it a large number of the natives 
of those states. These, having become accustomed to a 
seafaring life, and acquired the requisite qualifications^ 



322 APPENDIX. 

I 

soon pass into larger vessels, destined for more distant and 
perilous voyages. 

The state of the world, for several years subsequent to 
the commencement of the French revolution, offered great 
encouragement to the commercial enterprise of the coun- 
try. While almost every other power was engaged in 
war, the United States were neutral ; their vessels navi- 
gated the ocean in safety, and were employed to carry, 
from port to port, the commodities of the belligerant na- 
tions. In fifteen years, beginning with 1793, these favor- 
able circumstances increased the amount of American ton- 
nage from 491,000 to 1,242,000 tons, and the revenue 
arising from commerce, from 4,399,000 to 16,363,000 
ofdollars. 

In 1820, the number of persons engaged in commerce 
was 72,49:i. In 1823, the whole amount of exports was 
^74,799,000 ; the amount of imports was ^77,579,009, 
the balance, in favor of the United States, being about 
three milhons of dollars. As the imports, however, are 
always undervalued at the custom-house, the accession of 
wealth, which, in that year, accrued to the nation from 
commerce, was undoubtedly greater. 

In other years, the commerce of the country has 
flourished more. In 1807, the exports amounted to 
^108,343,000, and the imports to gl38,574,000. The 

principal causes of th© decline, >vhioh has taken place, 

have been, the restoration of peace in Europe, and the in- 
crease of the product of domestic manufactures. The 
former has permitted all other nations to become our com- 
petitors ; the latter, has rendered it unnecessary to resort 
to Europe for most of the conveniences and many of 
the luxuries of life. The depression will not long conti- 
nue. The independence of the South American republic 
has opened a wide field for the enterprise of our mer- 
chants, and given a brighter hue to their future prospects. 
The COD FISHERY on the north eastern coast of America 
attracted, at an early period, the attention of the world. 
In 1583, sir Humphrey Gilbert found thirty six vessels 
fishing in the harbor of St. John, in Newfoundland. They 
were principally from Biscay, in Spain, and Britany in 
France, and, for many years, the French retained almost a 
monopoly of this source of wealth. In 1744 they employ- 



APPENDIX, 323 

ed, in this fishery, 414 large ships, navigated by about 
24,000 seamen, and the quantity of lish taken amounted to 
1,149,000 quintals. 

The war of ^1756, expelling the French from the con- 
tinent, transferred the privileges which they had enjoyed 
to Great Britain. The English colonies, from their vici- 
nity, particapated largely in them. In the year 1670, six 
hundred and sixty vessels navigated by 4,400 seamen, 
were fitted out from the ports of New-England. During 
the revolutionary war, the Americans were compelled to 
relinquish the profitable pursuit; and it required all the 
firmness and address of the negotiators of the peace of 
1783, to secure to these states those advantages which 
nature seems to have intended for them, and which they 
had enjoyed as a component part of the British empire. 
They were at length, however, notwithstanding the covert 
opposition of France, conceded by the mother country. 

From that period, till 1807, the number of vessels and 
men employed in this pursuit continued to increase. An 
estimate has been made that, from 1790 to 1810, twelve 
hundred vessels of all kinds, navigated by 10,500 men and 
boys, were, on an average, yearly employed on the Banks, 
Bay, and Labrador fisheries; 1,150,000 quintals of fish 
were caught and cured ; and 37,000 barrels of oil were 
made. The annual value of the product of these fisheries 
could not have been less than three and a half millions of 
dollars. They were interrupted by the last war with 
Great Britain, and have not since regained their former 
activity. As nurseries of seamen, they are important to 
the nation ; and as such have received the particular at- 
tention and encourngement of government. A bounty, 
amounting in some years to ^200,000, is paid to the owners 
and crews of the vessels employed. 

The WHALE FisjiEKV of the United Stales ought not to 
be passed over unnoticed. Its successful prosecution re- 
quires uncommon hardihood and skill. As early as 1G90-, 
the inhabitants of Nantucket engaged in this pursuit, and 
were soon after joined by their brethern of the town of 
New-Bedford. In a few years, these monsters of the deep 
were driven from the American coasts ; but were pursued 
with ardor into seas the most remote. In 1715, 228 tons ; 
in 1771, 27,000 tons; in 1815, 42,000 tons of shipping 



324 ^ APPENDIX. 

were employed in this business. The product of this fish- 
ery exported in 1807. consisting of common and spermaceti 
oil and whale-bone, was valued at §606, 000 ; in 1823, at, 
§653,000. 

An extract from the speech of Mr, Burke delivered in 
the Briti ' '"'amer^ in 1775, presents, in eloquent lan- 
guage, a correct ideaof the importance of this fishery, and 
of the enterprise and dexterity of those engaged in it. " As 
to the wealth which the colonies have drawn from the sea 
by their fisheries, you had all that matter fully opened at 
your bar. You surely thought those acquisitions of value ; 
for they seemed even to excite your envy ; and yet the 
spirit by which that enterprising employment has been 
exercised, ought rather, in my opinion, to have raised your 
esteem and admiration. 

" And pray, «ir, what in the world is equal to it ? Pass 
by the other parts, and look at the manner in which the 
people of New-England have of late carried on the whale 
fishery. While we follow them among the tumbling moun- 
tains of ice, and behold them penetrating into the deepest 
frozen recessesof f" dson's bay and Davis's straits ; whilst 
we are looking foi' them beneath the arctic circle, we 
hear that they hive pierced into the opposite region of 
polar cold; that'uiey are at the Antipodes, and engaged 
under the frozen serpent of the south. Falkland Island, 
which seemed too remote and romantic an object for the 
grasp of national ambition, is but a stage and resting place 
in the progress of their victorious industry. 

" Nor is the equinoctial heat more discouraging to them 
than the accumulated winter of both poles. We know that, 
while some of them draw the line and strike the harpoon 
on the coasts of Africa, others run the longitude and pur- 
sue the gigantic game along the coast of Brazil. No sea 
but what is vexed by their fisheries. No climate that is 
not witness to their toils. Neither the perseverance of 
Holland, nor the activity of France, nor the dexterous and 
firm sagn'-ity of English enterprise, ever carried this most 
perilous mode of hardy industry to the extent to which it 
has been pushed by this recent people ; a people who are 
still, as it were, but in the gristle and not yet hardened into 
the bone of manhood. 

When I contemplate these things ; when I know that 



APPENDIX. 325 

the colonies owe little or nothing to any care of ours, and 
that they are not squeezed into this happy form by the 
'Constraints of watchful and suspicious government, but thatj 
Uirougha wise and salutary neglect, a generous nature has 
been suffered to take its own way to perfection ; when I 
reflect upon these effects, when I s^e hov;(T t. ofitable they 
have been to us, 1 feel all the priue of pov r sink, and 
all presumption in the wisdom of human contrivances melt 
and die away within me. My rigor relents. I pardon 
something to the spirit of liberty." 

Manufactures. — While the United States were colo= 
nies, the mother country endeavored to prevent the in- 
habitants from manuficturing any article whatever, even 
for their own use. The erection of slitting-mills was pro- 
hibited, and hatters were forbidden to take any apprentice 
for less than seven years, or to employ more than two at a 
time. In addition to these and other legislative enact- 
ments, the wages of labA^r were high, and, neither skill nor 
surplus capital existed in the country. But little attention 
was of course given to manufactures, and the inhabitants 
received their supplies from the art'-^ans of England. 

Some attempts were indeed made, few years previous 
to the commencement of the revolutionary war, to intro- 
^luce manufactures. Such was in part e intention of the 
non-importation wgreements ; and some of the colonial 
legislatures, to encourage the production of wool, and the 
manufacture of cloths, exempted sheep from taxation. 
But, at no time, previous to the adoption of the constitu- 
lion, did manufacturers exist in the country in sufficient 
number to be considered a class of the population. 

And indeed it was not until the imposition of the embar- 
go, in 1807, that any considerable impulse was given to 
this branch of industry. Prevented by this interruption of 
commerce, from exchanging their products for foreign ar- 
ticles, the inhabitants then attempted to fabricate them for 
themselves. From the want of experience and skill, many 
of the first attempts were unsuccessful ; but in a very short 
lime, these deficiencies were supplied, and, at the close 
of the war, the amount of the products of manufactures 
was astonishingly great. Forming an estimate trom the 
amount in 1810, which was near 170 giillions, it could not 

28 



MG ' APPENDIX. 

have been less, for ISH, than two hundred millions of 
dollars. 

Peace, by affording to foreigners an opportunity of in- 
troducing the goods which had accumulated in their ware- 
houses, checked, for a few years, the impulse which the 
restrictive measures and the war had given. In each of 
the three years following 1815, the value of articles manu- 
factured was probably less than in any one of the preced- 
mg six years. From the year 1818, the amount has gra- 
dually increased, and in 1821 and 1822, it was probably 
greater than it had ever before been. It will hereafter 
continue to increase, and the navigation of the country 
will be employed, not so much in bringing home the ma- 
nufactures of other nations, as in carrying abroad those of 
the United States. In this way, domestic manufactures will 
repay to commerce the capital they have lately drawn from 
k. 

The states in which the greatest attention is devoted to 
this branch of industry, are Rhode-Island, Pennsylvania, 
Massachusetts, New-Hampshire, and Connecticut. The 
principal manufactures are those of cotton and of woollen 
cloths of iron, and of leather. In 1820, the number of in- 
habitants engaged in manufactures was 349,506. 

The question, whether agriculture, commerce, or manu- 
factures is most productive of national wealth, and to which 
the government ought, in preference, to extend its pro- 
tection and encouragement, has lately been warmly dis- 
cussed by the politicians and writers on political economy, 
in America, and in Europe. Each interest has its advocates. 
The decision of the impartial statesman would probably be, 
that neither should be encouraged to the neglect of the 
others ; that if either is, in any degree, to be prefered, it 
is that which is, at the time, the most depressed ; or that 
which supplies most of the means of national defence, and 
most of the necessaries and conveniences of life. 

Debt, Revenue, and Expenditures. — When, in 1790, 
the public debt was first funded, it amounted to about 
75,000,000 of dollars. In 1803, by the purchase of Loui- 
siana, it was augmented to about 85,500,000. In the eight 
years which followed, a large amount was paid, leaving 
due, in 1 8 1 2, but httle more than 45,000,000. To defray 



AFPENDIXo 327 

the expenses of the war, which was declared in that year, 
more than 80,000,000 of new debt was contracted. A large 
portion has since been paid, and, on the first day of Janu- 
ary, 1823, the amount of it was 90,865,877 dollars. 

The present revenue of the republic is derived princi- 
pally from commerce, and from the sale of public lands. In 
l:8!j?2, there accrued from the former source, the sum of 
20,600,775 dollars ; from the latter source, 1,803,581 ; and 
from other sources, 839,084. The amount, however, 
which was actually received, during the year, was but 
20,23^,49,7. 

The expenditures,' during the same year, were as fol- 
lows : Civil, diplomatic, and miscellaneous, 1,967,996; 
for the pay and support of the army, the construction of 
forts, the supply of arms, the payment of pensions, and the 
various expenses of the Indian department, 5,635,188 ; 
for the support and increase of the navy, 2,224,458 ; for 
the payment of the interest, and for the redemption of that 
portion of the principal of the debt which became due 
within the year, 7,848,949 ; amounting in the whole to 
17,676,591, and leaving an excess of revenue over expen- 
diture of 2,655,836 dollars. 

Education. — ^In the kingdoms of Europe, large sum? 
have been appropriated, by the government, for the pur- 
pose of education. Nearly all, however, has been ex- 
pended in founding or endowing universities. To these 
the sons of the nobles and the rich could alone gain ac- 
cess ; and the intention and effect of the expenditure ha? 
always been, to produce erudite scholars, and able ora- 
tors, and to perpetuate and widen the separation between 
the higher and the lower classes of the population. 

The people of the United States have had a different 
object in view, and one more congenial with their poUti- 
cal institutions. Desirous that none should be ignorant, 
their first and principal care has been, to impart the ad- 
vantages of instruction to the whole mass of the popu- 
lation. With this view, the legislatures of many of the 
«?tates have ordained that schools, for the education of ali 
the youth in reading, writing, and arithmetic, shall be kept, 
nnd supported by a public and general tax. 

This system was adopted in Massachusetts as early as 
ICi7« A hw was (hen passed, by that colony, providing 



328 APPENDIX. 

that a school should be kept in every township having; 
fifty householders, in which all the children, who might 
resort to it, should be taught to read and write. As the 
number of inhabitants increased, the townships were di- 
vided into small districts, and a school supported in each- 
Thus, the means of education were provided, at the pub- 
lic expense, and the opportunity of acquiring it placed 
within the power of all. 

Immediately after their first settlement, the same system 
was adopted by the other colonies of New-England ; and 
it has, by all of them, been preserved and cherished to 
the present time. Connecticut, having a large tract of" 
land in Ohio, which was sold for ^1,200,000, appropri- 
ated the whole sum to the support of common or prima« 
ry schools. The sum has since been augmented to 
^1,700,000, and the interest is annually distributed to the 
several school districts, according to the number of scho- 
lars taught in each. No district, however, is entitled to 
any aid from this fund unless it had, in the preceding year, 
expended, for the same purpos^, a certain amount derived 
from its own resources. 

The effect of this system has been, to render the great 
body of the people of these states the most enlightened in 
the world. All can read and write, and rarely can one 
be found not qualified, by education, to transact the com- 
mon concerns of life. To educate his children, is the first 
object, and the chief glory of the parent ; their ignorance 
is to him and to them disgraceful. In these schools, the 
human mind receives its first impulse in the career oi" 
learning ; an impulse which carries many forward to high 
stations of honor and of usefulness. 

The great state of New- York, distinguished for magni- 
ficent projects of internal improvement, and for liberal 
patronage of literature and the arts, has lately adopted a 
system nearly similar to that of Connecticut. From vari- 
ous sources, it has accumulated a fund, the income of which 
is to be applied annually to the support of common schools. 
This fund, in 1820, amounted to 1 1,2 15,000. Since that 
year, all the unsold and unappropriated lands, which, 
when disposed of, will probably produce two or three 
millions more, have been permanently devoted to the same 
object. The annual interest of this fund is distributed, 



APPENDIX. 329 

according to population, among the several townships, on 
their raising, for the same purpose, an additional sum 
equal to that which they receive from the state. In 1821. 
three hundred and thirty-three thousand children were 
taught, in the several district schools ; a number nearly equal 
to that of all the children in the state between five and fifteen 
years of age. In 1823, the number taught was 400,000. 

Virginia has also a literary fund, the interest of a part 
of which is appropriated for the support of common 
schools. This fund is of recent origin, and its income if 
yet small. The advantages of education are, however, so 
liighly appreciated in that state, by its enlightened citi- 
zens, that most of the rising generation are instructed 
in private schools, or by domestic teachers. The same 
remark will apply to most of the middle and southern 
states ; yet, in these, too many of the children of the 
poor will remain in ignorance until effectual provision is 
made, by the respective governments, for the instruction 
of all. 

The national government has not been unmindful of the 
importance of universal education. Before the adoption of 
the constitution, it acquired, by the cession of the states 
claiming it, the property of nearly all the unappropriated 
land within the national boundaries. In offering this land 
for sale, it has reserved in every township, one section, 
comprising 640 acres, for the use of schools. As the popula- 
tion of the new states becomes more dense, these lands will 
constitute a valuable and productive fund, and the sys- 
tem of free schools, thus planted in the western, will there 
produce the same benefits as in the eastern portion of the 
union. 

Schools of a higher order, to which the name of acade= 
mies has been applied, are numerous in all the states., 
especially in those of New-England. Many are incorpo 
rated, and some possess considerable funds. That at 
Exeter, in New-Hampshire, holds the highest rank ; its 
funds amount to ^80,000 ; it has a library containing 700 
volumes, and a handsome philosophical apparatus. In these 
schools are taught English grammar, composition, history^ 
geography, mathematics, the Latin and Greek languages. 
Many young men resort to them to acquire an education 
superior to that which can be obtained at the primary 



330 APPENDIX. 

schools, antl many to prepare themselves to enter sojim- 
college or university. They are principally taught by 
those, who have just received a degree in the arts, and 
who are unable, from the want of property, to engage im- 
mediately in the study of the professions, which they in- 
tend to pursue. 

Of colleges and universities there is also a large num- 
ber in the United States. The oldest and first in rank is 
Harvard College, at Cambridge, Massachusetts. It was 
established in 1738, only eighteen years after the first set- 
tlement of Plymouth. It had then a fund of about ^5,000, 
nearly two thirds of which was a donation from the Rev. 
John Harvard, of Charlestown. The first degrees were 
conferred upon nine young gentlemen, in 1642. It has 
since received many and large additions to its funds, prin- 
cipall}' donations from individuals ; and, from the exer- 
tions of its learned presidents and professors, has, with 
short intermissions, been constantly advancing in reputa- 
tion, and increasing in usefulness. The library contains 
about twenty-five thousand volumes. In 1824, the faculty 
consisted of a president, and twenty professors; the num- 
ber of students was 222, and of the resident graduates 146. 

Yale College was founded in 1700, and incorporated in 
1701. It was first established at Saybrook ; but, in 1716, 
was removed to New-Haven, in Connecticut. Elihu Yale, 
a merchant in London, having made to it a donation of more 
than four thousand dollars, its name was, in 1718, changed 
from the Collegiate School, to Yale College. Afterwards 
bishop Berkeley, the celebrated metaphysician, who had 
resided two years in America, presented to it a collection oi 
books, consisting of nearly one thousand volumes ; and a 
farm in Newport, the annual rent of which, on a long lease, 
i's two hundred and forty bushels of wheat. From the state, 
and from other sources, it has received many liberal dona- 
tions. Its libraries contain about nine thousand volumes. 
In 1824, the faculty consisted of a president, and eleven 
professors, and the number of its students was 349. 

Id addition to these, there are in the union, about fifty 
colleges and universities authorized to confer degrees. In 
all of these are taught, the English, Latin, and Greek lan- 
guages, rhetoric, mathenjatics, natural philosophy, logic, 
chymistry, astronomy, history, and geography. In some 



APPENDIX. 351 

f)f tlietii are also the Hebrew, oriental, and modern Euro- 
pean languages, anatomy, surgery, medicine, botany, polite 
literature, divinity, ethics, natural and municipal law, po- 
litics, and elocution. 

Literature. —The remark has often been made that the 
United States have produced no eminent scholars ; and that 
the national character has not been illustrated by literary 
and scientific performances of distinguished merit. This 
remark is doubtless just. Compared with those of the old 
world, their writers have not exhibited the same labored 
polish of style, nor their men of science the same per- 
severance and extent of investigation. Their historians 
are not equal to Hume or Robertson ; their poets to Mil- 
ton or Pope ; their chemists to Lavoisier or Davy ; nor 
their metaphysicians to Locke, Berkel}', or Reid. 

But this fact implies no deliciency of mental vigor in 
the people. The mind of the nation has received, from 
circumstances, a different direction. Those who are in- 
dued with extraordinary talent, whatever may have been 
their original propensities, have been called from the clo- 
set to labor in the legislative hall, or the cabinet ; to vindi- 
cate the cause or defend the interest of their country 
abroad ; to dispense justice from the bench, or to sup- 
port and defend, at the bar, the claims and the rights of 
their fellow citizens. 

To perform these duties, certainly not less honorable 
nor less difficult than any thing which the mere scholar 
can perform, a greater variety of talents, and greater in- 
tellectual labor, have been required in this than in any 
other country. Here, in comparatively a short period, 
the foundations have been laid, and the superstructures 
erected, of new political institutions. Many governments 
have been established over communities differing from 
each other, and from those of Europe ; and over these a 
paramount government, with extensive and important 
powers. For each of these communities, a new system 
of law has been required, and each government has a se- 
parate executive, legislative, and judicial department. 
The population of no country has been called upon to sup- 
ply such a number of legislators, of judges, and of lawyers ; 
nor, it may be added, of instructers of youth. And, while 
their number accounts for the comparative neglect of lite- 
rature and the fine arts, the talents they have displayed 



33i APPENDIX. 

sufficiently vindicate the republic from the reproach of 
iDtellectual inferiority. 

But not in these modes alone have the people of these 
states proved, that in original powers of mind they may 
assert an equality, at least, with those of any other na- 
tion. None has made more important discoveries in the 
useful arts. England boasts of her Arkwright, who in- 
vented the spinning machine ; of her Worcester, New- 
comm, and Watt, by whose ingenuity and labors the pow- 
ers of steam were substituted for the uncertain aid of wind 
and water in moving the machinery of manufactories. 

America may boast of her Godfrey, whose quadrant has 
been almost as serviceable, as the compass, to navigation ; 
of her Franklin, who has made our dwellings comfortable 
within, and protected them from the lightning of heaven ; 
of her Whitney, whose cotton gin has added to the annual 
product of that article at least one hundred millions of 
pounds ; of her Whittemore, the inventor of the wonder- 
ful machine for making cards ; of her Perkins, the in- 
ventor of the nail machine ; and of her Fulton, who has 
rendered the power of steam subservient to the purposes 
of navigation. 

But the United States have produced authors who would 
do honor even to any other nation. The style of Franklin 
is perspicuous and pure ; and few men of any age or coun- 
tr}' have contributed more by. their writings, lo enlighten 
and to benefit mankind. The histories of Marshall, Ram- * 
say, Belknap, Williams, and the Annals of Holmes, are 
works of sterling merit, interesting, and instructive. Among 
theological writers, Edwards, Hopkins, Duight, Lethrop, 
Davies, Kollock, and Buckminster, are deservedly emi- 
nent. And as a novelist, Brown, has few equals. 

Many of the political writers of this country have dis- 
played great vigor of thought, and force of expression. 
The pamphlets and state papers to which the revolutiona- 
ry struggle gave existence ; the numbers of the Federalist ; 
the official letters of Mr. Jefferson, as secretary of state, 
and of the American ministers at Ghent, not only display 
intellectual powers, but possess literary merit, of the 
highest order. The best writers of this republic have not 
been the authors of books. 



APENDIX, 333 

To the fine arts still less attention has been paid than to 
literature ; that the neglect is to be attributed rather to 
the deficiency of patronage than to the want of capacity to 
excel. Benjamin West, a native of Pennsylvania, pre- 
sided for many years over the Royal Society, comprising 
the most eminent painters of Great Britain. In portrait- 
painting, Copley and Stuart have acquired a high reputa- 
tion ; and in historical painting, Trumbull excels. The 
United States claim only the honor of their birth ; Eng- 
land and Italy that of patronizing and instructing them. 

Religion. — The consequences resulting from the en- 
joyment of religious liberty have been highly favorable. 
Free discussion has enlightened the ignorant, disarmed 
superstition of its dreadful powers, and consigned to ob- 
livion many erroneous and fantastic creeds. Religious 
oppression, and the vindictive feelings it arouses, are hardly 
known. Catholics and Protestants live together in har- 
mony ; and Protestants who disagree, employ, in defend- 
ing their own doctrines, and in assailing those of their an- 
tagonists, the weapons only of reason and eloquence. 

In the New-England states, the independents or con- 
gregationalists constitute the most numerous denomination ; 
in the middle states, the presbyterians ; and in the south- 
ern, the methodists. Baptists, episcopalians, and Roman 
catholics, are found in all the states ; but in Maryland and 
Louisiana, the catholics are more numerous than else- 
where. Each of these sects has one or more seminaries 
of learning, in which its peculiar doctrines are taught, and 
young men are educated for the ministry. Many other 
sects exist, but reason, less tolerant than the laws, is gra- 
dually diminishing the number. 

Character and Manners. — Foreigners have asserted 
that the Americans possess no national character. If at 
any period this assertion has been true, it was then no re- 
proach. In its youth, a nation can have no established 
character. The inhabitants of this republic, coming from 
every quarter of the world, speaking many different lan- 
guages, dispersed over a vast extent of territory, could not 
immediately assimilate and exhibit those few prominent 
traits, which nations as well as individualSj in their matu- 
fity, display > 



334 A^P^ENDIX. 

But the germ of a national character has always existed. 
It has grown with our growth, and is gradually throwing 
into the shade those unfavorable and discordant traits, 
which have disfigured and partly concealed it from view. 
Who, that has read the history of these states, has not per- 
ceived, in the inhabitants, an energy of purpose capable of 
surmounting all obstacles ; a spirit of enterprise, that 
leaves nothing useful unattempted ; a proud sense of per- 
sonal dignity and independence ; a decided preference of 
utility before show ; and a love of knowledge that has dis- 
pelled ignorance from the land ? They may have been too 
much devoted to the pursuit of gain ; too much addicted 
to habits of intemperance ; too much inflated with national 
vanity ; bigoted and superstitious : but these traits are 
now less apparent ; they are constantly melting away, and 
those more noble appearing in bolder relief. 

They whose wealth or talents place them in the first 
rank in society, are, in their manners, free from awkward- 
ness, formality, haughtiness, and ostentation ; but they do 
not display the elegance or refinement of the same class in 
Europe. The mass of the people are serious, shrewd, 
inquisitive, manly, and generally respectful ; but they 
know little, and practise less, of the ceremonies of formal 
politeness. To foreigners, accustomed to the ser?ility of 
the lower classes in Europe, they doubtless often appear 
rough and uncourtly ; and many fashionable tourists may 
have had their feelings needlessly wounded, and their delica- 
cy shocked ; but when respectfully treated, they display na- 
tive politeness, and generosity of sentiment. . Time will 
remove the grosser defects ; but may it never, by polish- 
ing too deeply, impair that strength of character, which 
is essential to the permanence of our republican insti- 
tutions. 



A review of the rapid progress of the United States in 
population, wealth, and power; a survey of their present 
physical and moral condition; and a comparison of them, 
in either respect, with other nations, cannot fail to give 
to an American citizen an elevated conception of his own 
country, and to justify the loftiest anticipations of the fu- 
ture. 



APPENDIX. 333 

In a period of thirty years, ending with 1 820, the population 
of the republic increased from 3,893,835, to 9,642,150, 
it consequently doubles in less than twenty-live years. In 
Great Britain, the population does not double in less than 
eighty years ; and in that country the increase is nearl3^ if 
not quite, as rapid as in any other country in Europe. 

The augmentation of wealth and power cannot be 
so easily ascertained. It is the opinion of many, well 
qup^.lfied to judge, that it has been still more rapid; and 
when the increase of our exports, which in the same 
period advanced from nineteen to sixty-live millions ; when 
the gi'owth of our cities and villages ; the increase of our 
tnanufacturing establishments, of our national and mercan- 
tile navy, of our fortifications and other means of defence ; 
the extent of our internal improvements ; and, beyond all, 
the extensive territories reclaimed from a state of nature 
and made productive and valuable, are adverted to, that 
opinion will not appear unfounded nor extravagant. 

Although now inferior to the principal nations of the 
old world, yet but a short period will elapse before the 
United States, should their progress hereafter be the same 
that it has been, will overtake and pass them. Their 
great natural advantages will continue to urge them for- 
ward. Extensive tracts of fertile land yet remain vacant 
of inhabitants ; the portion? already settled are capable of 
supporting a much more numerous population ; new roads 
and new canals will give greater activity to internal com- 
merce, and open new tields to the untiring industry and en- 
terprise of man ; and a small part only being required by 
the government, nearly the whole annual income will be 
added to the general capital, augmenting it in a compound 
ratio. 

That these splendid anticipations are not the suggestions 
of national vanity, the history of the past sufficiently proves. 
Yet their fulfilment depends in a great degree, upon the 
future conduct of the people themselves ; upon their adher- 
ence to the principles of their lathers ; upon ihe preserva- 
tion of free political institutions, of industrious, frugal, and 
moral habits; and, above all, upon the universal diflusion 
r^f knowledge. 

This truth should sink deep into the hearts of the old 
and the young. Tiie citizens of this republic should never 



336 APPENDIX. 

forget the awful responsibilities resting upon them. They 
constitute the oldest nation on this western hemisphere, 
the first on the list of existing repuhlics. They stand for- 
ward, the object of hatred to some, of admiration to many, 
of wonder to all ; and an impressive example to the people 
of every country. To them is committed an experiment, 
successful hitherto, the final result of which must have a 
powerful influence upon the destiny of mankind ; if fa- 
vorable and happy, the whole civilized world will be 
free ; if adverse, despotism and darkness will again over- 
shadow it. May they ever be sensible of the vast import- 
ance of their example. May they never betray their sacred 
trust. 



THE END. 



ERRORS. 

Page Line 

114 3 for Tamacraw, read Yamacraw. 

114 10 for fillj read fell. 

120 14 for Dyonville, read Dijonville. 

121 3 for regretted, read rejected. 

133 5 from bottom, for place, read plan. 

133 12 erase that. 

144 23 insert ''opposed," between stand and against. 

145 16 erase what. 

148 8 from bottom, insert and before ''gentlemen." 

154 8 for warhoop, read warwhoop. 

157 10 for ca, read cause. 

177 4 for emigrating,, read emerging. 

180 24 for duties, read qualities. 

207 11 for withdrew, read withheld. 

211 9 for Boylers, read Baylors. 

232 4 from bottom, for Granley, read Granby. 

235 4 place a period after New-York, 

236 2 from bottom, for advanced, read begun. 
24.5 21 for number, read members. 

279 14 for 19th, read 18th. 

285 11 erase other. 

302 17 for know, read now. 

307 10 from bottom, fo' brethern, read brethren. 

321 8 insert at the beginning of the line, " flour to the value 

of $ 4,962,000 ;" 

322 14 omit of. 

323 7 for 1670, read 1760. 

323 22 should read " in the bank, bay, &c." 

330 10 for 1738, read 1638. 

331 1 should read '' are also taught the Hebrew, fcc." 
333 2 for that, read but. 



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